SMARTstartIsla Maritime Opens Headquarters in Pasco County, Florida, to Meet Local & Global Marine Salvage Demand
February 11, 2026
The company has purchased a 3,000-square-foot warehouse and office space in Port Richey after experiencing rapid growth since its founding in 2023.
PASCO COUNTY, FLORIDA (February 11, 2026) — The Pasco Economic Development Council (Pasco EDC) is pleased to announce that Isla Maritime, a marine services provider specializing in vessel salvage and commercial diving, has expanded its operations and opened its headquarters in Pasco County, Florida.
Isla Maritime has purchased a 3,000-square-foot warehouse and office space in Port Richey, Florida. Serving as the company’s strategic U.S. headquarters, the space will be used to store, maintain, and service all diving and salvage equipment, and the office space will support enhanced operations for the company’s growing team.
Since its founding in 2023, the company has continued to expand its operations following rapid growth. It has supported high-profile projects involving NOAA vessels, the USS Yorktown, and the MV Dali salvage operation, while also establishing its new headquarters in Pasco County and forming a strategic partnership in Panama.
"The team at Isla Maritime is grateful for the opportunity to leverage Pasco EDC’s resources and support. Pasco EDC provided site location assistance during our search for warehouse and office space and has continued to be a valuable resource as new needs and questions arise,” said Aileen Caras, CEO of Isla Maritime. “We are proud to establish our headquarters in Pasco County and be a part of this community as we grow and expand our operations."
Isla Maritime has also just announced expanded international capabilities via a strategic partnership with Panama-based J.A.M. Marine Dockyard (J.A.M.). The partnership means that salvage and response needs across the Panama Canal and surrounding waterways, a pivotal gateway for global commerce and trade operations, will now be met with speed, scale, and precision.
“I am excited about Isla Maritime’s rapid growth and the strategic international partnerships they are forming. Port Richey is a great location for them, with quick access to the Gulf of America and our surrounding waterfront counties,” shared Bill Cronin, President/CEO of Pasco EDC. “Our team is here to support them as they continue to expand in Pasco County for many years to come.”
Isla Maritime specializes in environmental remediation, marine salvage, commercial diving, naval architecture, abandoned/derelict vessel removal, and consulting. They are also uniquely qualified to support public-sector projects with a team of skilled commercial divers who hold diverse backgrounds in construction, offshore oil and gas, maritime salvage, and underwater inspections.
“Isla Maritime choosing Pasco County really shows how much our local economy is growing,” says Pasco County Commissioner Lisa Yeager. “As a woman-owned small business, their success also reflects the kind of diverse, high-quality companies we’re proud to support here in Pasco County.”
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About Pasco Economic Development Council
The Pasco Economic Development Council is committed to developing Florida's most competitive climate for business growth by providing businesses, that seek to start, move, or grow in the North Tampa Bay area, a comprehensive suite of programs that can help them to reach their full economic potential. Since 1987, Pasco EDC has fostered a strong partnership funded by corporate and public investors focused on the economic vitality of Pasco County. Discover more at www.pascoedc.com.