Autonomous Ship Construction: Saronic’s Growth Strategy
**Saronic, a ship manufacturer headquartered in Louisiana, has expanded its portfolio by acquiring Gulf Craft. Announced on April 16, this strategic purchase is set to accelerate Saronic’s ambitions in the realm of autonomous ship construction. With this acquisition, the company gains a valuable shipyard located along the Gulf of Mexico, which will serve as a central hub for prototyping and producing a fleet of medium-scale unmanned surface vessels, starting with a 150-foot long autonomous vehicle dubbed the Marauder.**
Saronic’s CEO, Dino Mavrookas, emphasized the significance of this acquisition, saying, “This step represents a major milestone for Saronic’s growth in autonomous ship construction. It lays the groundwork for our vision of Port Alpha, our future next-generation shipyard. We prioritize building what our customers need in a timely manner. While we continue to seek the ideal location for Port Alpha, this acquisition allows us to meet immediate demands and be adaptable to advanced technology systems in commercial and defense applications.”
Introducing the Marauder: A New Era of Unmanned Vessels
Meet Saronic’s newest addition to its family of Autonomous Surface Vessels: the Marauder, a mission-ready innovator hailing from Louisiana. Stretching 150 feet, this medium unmanned surface vessel (MUSV) is designed to integrate the robust autonomy stack already utilized across Saronic’s existing ASV offerings.
The Marauder boasts an impressive 88,000 pounds payload capacity and has the capability to travel up to 3,500 nautical miles or remain operational loitering for over 30 days, depending on mission specifics. Designed for full autonomy, the Marauder will implement Saronic’s proven autonomy software, while being developed through a rigorous engineering approach and an extensive network of local suppliers. This strategy positions the Marauder to provide comprehensive operational capabilities at a considerably reduced cost compared to traditional manned ships.
Strategic Investments in Shipyard Infrastructure
With the addition of Gulf Craft, Saronic has nearly 100 acres of new operational space at its disposal. The company is poised to invest over $250 million into modernizing the shipyard, which will involve upgrading infrastructure, acquiring state-of-the-art machinery, and enhancing overall facility capabilities.
The investment is aimed at creating a streamlined production system that emphasizes speed, scalability, and highest quality standards. Ultimately, Saronic aspires to reach an annual production capacity capable of delivering 50 unmanned marine vehicles, which underscores its commitment to innovation and growth in the maritime sector.
