British-Based SubSea Craft Plans Virginia Beach, Virginia, Operations

Area Development News Desk

05/27/2026

British-based maritime defense technology company SubSea Craft plans to establish operations to Virginia Beach, Virginia.

The company’s new strategic hub will strengthen its engagement with U.S. defense stakeholders and maritime technology collaborators.

“Virginia Beach offers an exceptional environment for a company operating at the intersection of maritime innovation and defense technology,” said Tom Harkin, Chief Commercial Officer of SubSea Craft. “The city’s access to maritime infrastructure, defense assets, industry expertise, and technical talent strongly aligns with our long-term vision for growth and collaboration in the United States.”

The project was led by Virginia Beach Economic Development and the Hampton Roads Alliance and received an Economic Development Investment Program grant from the Virginia Beach Development Authority.

“SubSea Craft’s decision to establish operations in Virginia Beach reflects the unique strengths of the Hampton Roads region, where naval operations, shipbuilding, advanced manufacturing, autonomy, and maritime engineering expertise come together in one ecosystem,” added Doug Smith, President and CEO of the Hampton Roads Alliance. “We are proud to support their expansion and connect them to the region’s world-class maritime and defense industrial base.”

SubSea Craft develops surface and sub-surface vessels for defense, security, and commercial applications. The company’s operations include vessel design, engineering, manufacturing, and autonomous maritime systems development.

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