Voltari Electric Brings Next-Generation Marine Innovation to Bay County

Voltari Electric Inc., a global leader in electric marine and autonomous vessel technology, has selected Bay County as the home of its U.S. headquarters and shipyard operations — an investment that blends cutting-edge innovation with the region’s deep maritime roots.

The project centers on the acquisition and transformation of the historic Queen Craft Shipyard, a working shipyard since 1974. Once reimagined, the waterfront facility will serve as Voltari’s primary U.S. production and research hub, supporting customers across defense, government, commercial, and leisure sectors.

Long known internally as Project Kilowatt, the initiative has now officially come to light in Bay County under its true identity: Voltari Electric’s U.S. shipyard and headquarters. What began as a confidential economic development effort has evolved into a defining investment—one that signals both scale and permanence for the region’s waterfront future.

Voltari will invest more than $37 million into the Bay County site, creating 285 high-quality jobs and establishing a long-term operational presence designed to meet U.S. regulatory requirements, including the Jones Act. The 11-acre shipyard offers direct access to St. Andrews Bay, an essential asset for advanced vessel manufacturing, testing, and deployment.

“The launch of Voltari’s U.S. shipyard represents a major milestone in our company’s strategic plan,” said Cam Heaps, Voltari’s Chief Executive Officer. “Bay County and northwest Florida offer the ideal combination of deepwater marine access, workforce talent, and community partnership for our U.S. operations.”

Where Technology Meets Craft

As a vertically integrated shipbuilder, Voltari specializes in advanced electric propulsion systems, marine-grade high-kilowatt battery manufacturing, carbon fiber hulls, and autonomous and unmanned surface vessel (USV) technologies. The Bay County facility will include advanced manufacturing infrastructure, research and development space, and a machine-learning AI lab designed to accelerate next-generation USV innovation.

According to a community economic impact study conducted by Florida Power & Light, the project is expected to generate more than 700 direct and indirect jobs, contribute over $43 million in annual wages, and deliver $72 million in additional community capital — positioning Bay County as a rising force in advanced marine manufacturing.

A Shared Vision for Growth

The announcement reflects coordinated efforts among federal, state, and local leaders. Congressman Neal Dunn, who represents Bay County, praised the investment as a testament to the region’s workforce and pro-growth environment.

“I am pleased to see this significant investment in our community from Voltari,” Dunn said. “Bay County exemplifies the talent, innovation, and pro-growth environment that makes Florida a national leader.”

Local leaders echoed that sentiment, emphasizing the long-term impact.

“This is exactly the type of transformational project Bay County has been working to attract,” said Bay County Commissioner Doug Moore. “Voltari’s investment strengthens our economy and reinforces Bay County’s role as a leader in advanced manufacturing and marine innovation.”

With support from Triumph Gulf Coast and the Bay Economic Development Alliance, the project represents a strategic alignment of capital, infrastructure, and vision—bringing global attention and sophisticated technology to Northwest Florida’s shores.

As construction and hiring timelines unfold, Voltari’s arrival signals more than expansion. It marks Bay County’s evolution into a destination where heritage shipbuilding meets the future of electric and autonomous marine design.