New Shipyard to Locate at the Port of Vicksburg

The Vicksburg Warren Economic Development Partnership announced today that a new company named Vicksburg Shipyard is establishing vessel repair and maintenance operations at the existing Port of Vicksburg. The project represents a $35.6 million corporate investment over the next five years and is expected to employ 44 people in Warren County.

Vicksburg Shipyard, a subsidiary of Louisana-based Terral RiverService, is acquiring assets and land at the Port of Vicksburg. The new entity will service Terral Riverservice’s fleet of boats and barges and service other maritime companies’ assets that would have previously gone out of state for repairs and maintenance. This strategic move ensures that critical maritime maintenance stays within Mississippi, further bolstering the state’s economy and Vicksburg’s role in the Mississippi River commerce.

The City of Vicksburg, the Warren County Board of Supervisors, and the Vicksburg Warren Economic Development Partnership assisted the project’s location in the community. The Mississippi Development Authority is providing assistance through the Mississippi Flexible Tax Incentive, or MFLEX, program.

Gov. Tate Reeves, expressed his excitement about the project, “The Mississippi River is a vital passageway to domestic and international markets for so many companies with extensive shipping needs. Not only will Vicksburg Shipyard’s new maintenance and repair operations create quality jobs and ensure critical work is performed locally, the project also strengthens river commerce along the Mississippi. Vicksburg Shipyard is another economic development success for our state and for our impressive maritime industry.”

Tom Gattle CEO of Terral RiverService, added, “We believe Vicksburg Shipyard will not only help Terral RiverService operate more efficiently but will help many of the Towing companies and Barge lines operating in and around Mississippi and along the Mississippi River. Bringing jobs to the communities we live and operate in has always been a focus of Terral RiverService, and we look forward to continuing that with the growth of Vicksburg Shipyard.”

Vicksburg’s Mayor, George Flaggs stated, “Vicksburg Shipyard will be a shot in the arm for the shipbuilding industry in the State of Mississippi and in Vicksburg. These are good paying jobs for our community that will continue to build on the strength of our local economy and the City’s long term economic strategy we are implementing.”

Kelle Barfield, President of the Warren County Board of Supervisors reaffirmed the County’s commitment to economic development, “Warren County’s economy thrives when private businesses see this as a strong place to locate and to grow. Many factors support projects such as this enormous investment by Vicksburg Shipyard, including workforce readiness, competitive tax rates, and quality of life for their employees. The Warren County Board of Supervisors is committed to working with leaders of business and industry to strengthen our economic environment as much as possible.”

 Pablo Diaz, President & CEO of the Vicksburg Warren Economic Development Partnership added, “This project is an excellent fit for the Port of Vicksburg and our region, not only because it provides high paying jobs and investment for the community, but also because it will help attract and keep more dollars in the local economy by providing needed services to the regional maritime industry. We are excited to welcome Vicksburg Shipyard as part of our business community and look forward to supporting their success and growth in the region.

Bill Cork, Executive Director of the Mississippi Development Authority concluded, “Mississippi’s integrated transportation network, including our navigable waterways, is crucial to ensuring companies efficiently get goods to domestic and international markets in record time. Vicksburg Shipyard’s new location at the Port of Vicksburg further facilitates the timely delivery of products to consumers as hundreds of vessels will be maintained right here at home and fit for service that much quicker. Our blue economy is one of the top in the country, and MDA is proud to welcome Vicksburg Shipyard as its newest addition.”

###

The Vicksburg Warren Economic Development Partnership brings together the Vicksburg Warren County Chamber of Commerce, the Warren County Port Commission, and the Warren County Economic Development Foundation to lead Warren County’s and the City of Vicksburg’s Economic Development Efforts. Pablo Diaz is the President & CEO of the Vicksburg Warren Economic Development Partnership.