Halimar Shipyard Advances Construction of ROMULUS 151 Unmanned Surface Vessels

MORGAN CITY, La. — Halimar Shipyard is advancing construction of HII's ROMULUS 151 unmanned surface vessels (USVs), further strengthening HII's strategy to expand production capacity through a distributed manufacturing network of experienced U.S. shipbuilders.

 Halimar joined HII's ROMULUS manufacturing network in July 2026, adding to the program's serial production capability alongside Breaux Brothers Enterprises in New Iberia, where four ROMULUS 151 vessels are currently under construction.

 As part of the Romulus 151 network, HII works closely with Halimar, Breaux Brothers, and key manufacturing partner Bayou Metal Supply & Manufacturing in Slidell, Louisiana. Bayou Metal has established a dedicated production line for precision cutting, bending, welding, and assembly of major structural components for the ROMULUS USV, helping reduce production delays and accelerate overall build schedules.

 This distributed shipbuilding approach increases throughput and enables faster, more consistent serial production of ROMULUS vessels across multiple shipyards.

 For William "Bill" Hidalgo Sr., president and CEO of Halimar Shipyard, joining the ROMULUS program reflects a lifelong commitment to building vessels for the U.S. military.

 Hidalgo began his shipbuilding career constructing U.S. Navy Swift Boats — officially designated patrol craft fast (PCF) — the iconic 50-foot aluminum vessels used during the Vietnam War for coastal patrol, weapons interdiction, and special operations. That early experience established a commitment to quality, precision, and mission readiness that continues to guide Halimar's work today.

 "It is rewarding to see ROMULUS taking shape here in Morgan City," Hidalgo said. "Our team takes tremendous pride in building vessels that will support the next generation of maritime operations. The same commitment to craftsmanship and quality that defined military shipbuilding decades ago continues to define our work today."

 Halimar brings decades of commercial and government shipbuilding experience, a highly skilled Gulf Coast workforce, and modern production facilities to the program. As part of HII's expanding industrial base, the shipyard is building complete ROMULUS 151 vessels while collaborating with other Louisiana shipbuilders to accelerate serial production and strengthen domestic manufacturing capacity.

 HII's continued investment in the Gulf Coast’s maritime industrial base is increasing national production capacity, strengthening supply chain resilience, and accelerating delivery of autonomous maritime systems for the U.S. Navy and allied partners.

 As construction advances at Halimar Shipyard, the collaboration demonstrates how U.S. shipbuilders are working together to deliver scalable, mission-ready autonomous systems that will help shape the future of naval operations.