Blue Water Autonomy, a Massachusetts-based defense technology firm, has signed a production deal with Conrad Shipyard in Louisiana to manufacture its first fleet of unmanned surface vessels (USVs).
Under the partnership, Conrad’s Morgan City yard will assemble the initial vessels using automated techniques such as panel line assembly and welding, enabling faster builds and simultaneous ship production across multiple facilities.
Conrad, founded in 1947, has decades of experience producing both commercial and military vessels — from ferries and barges to offshore support ships and tankers — and has worked extensively with the US Navy.
The agreement follows Blue Water’s $50 million funding round in 2024, bringing its total investment to $61 million. The funds will support construction of the company’s first long-range autonomous ships, expected to enter service in 2026.
Blue Water emphasized its strategy of partnering with underutilized US shipyards, leveraging modular and scalable designs for quicker adaptation to future projects. Recent hires, including Tim Glinatsis (former General Dynamics NASSCO/Bath Iron Works executive) and Ryan Maatta (ex-DARPA NOMARS program), further strengthen its production capabilities.
Unlike traditional manned warships that take years to complete, Blue Water’s USVs are designed for rapid construction, upgrades, and maintenance, with plans to expand cooperation to more local shipbuilders.
