PORTSMOUTH, N.H. – Months after shipyard workers braced for possible unemployment, the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard is talking about expanding its work force.

Shipyard commander Capt. Jonathan Iverson said the current work force must grow by 300 people a year to be able to handle the submarine overhaul and maintenance projects that are scheduled.

“For the next four years, we’re chock-a-block full of work,” he said. “With the increased workload, we’re looking to bring more people on.”

The shipyard has about 4,400 workers and contributes about $650 million annually to the local economy, Iverson said. In addition, the shipyard spends $30 million with area businesses for services such as landscaping and waste removal.