MORGAN CITY, La. — Morgan City’s Halimar Shipyard has been selected to join a nationwide production network supporting the construction of the next generation of autonomous military vessels for the U.S. Navy.
Defense contractor HII, the nation’s largest military shipbuilder, announced Monday that Halimar Shipyard will play a key role in producing the company’s ROMULUS 151 unmanned surface vessels (USVs), expanding manufacturing capacity to meet increasing demand for advanced autonomous maritime technology.
As part of the partnership, Halimar will build complete ROMULUS 151 vessels while working alongside Breaux Brothers Enterprises in Louisiana, where five vessels are already under construction.
HII officials say adding Halimar strengthens the company’s Gulf Coast manufacturing network, increases production capacity, improves supply chain reliability, and helps accelerate delivery of the vessels to the U.S. Navy and allied military forces.
Halimar Shipyard Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer William Hidalgo Jr. said the company is proud to be part of the ROMULUS program and looks forward to using its decades of shipbuilding experience to help deliver reliable, high-quality autonomous vessels.
The partnership also highlights Louisiana’s growing role in the nation’s defense industry, bringing additional opportunities for skilled workers and strengthening the state’s shipbuilding sector.
The ROMULUS production team also includes Bayou Metals and other strategic manufacturing partners, with vessel design support provided by Australia’s Incat Crowther.
According to HII, the expanded production network is designed to speed construction, increase efficiency, and build a stronger, more resilient U.S. shipbuilding industrial base capable of supporting future autonomous naval operations.
