- Davie is set to acquire Gulf Copper’s shipbuilding assets in Texas, aiming to finalise the deal by summer 2025.
- The acquisition would expand Davie’s footprint across North America and position it for key U.S. icebreaker programs.
- A planned $1 billion investment could generate 4,000 jobs and support urgent national security needs.
- The move has strong support from local stakeholders and federal authorities, aligning with U.S. shipbuilding priorities.
Davie intends to acquire shipbuilding assets in Galveston and Port Arthur from Gulf Copper & Manufacturing Corporation, a Texas-based leader in ship repair, construction, and marine services. The transaction remains subject to financial, legal, and regulatory approvals and ongoing land lease discussions with the Galveston Wharves Board of Trustees. According to a report by AJOT, Davie aims to complete the acquisition by summer 2025.
U.S. Expansion Through Planned Texas Shipyard Acquisition
James Davies, President and CEO of Davie, stated that both companies share a vision to make Texas a center for icebreaker and complex ship production, supporting national security and ship delivery goals. He described the move as part of a broader commitment to build ships efficiently and reliably to support U.S. priorities.
Gulf Copper CEO Steve Hale echoed this sentiment, saying the deal could mark a turning point for the region by bringing advanced shipbuilding back to Galveston and Port Arthur. He emphasised that Davie’s involvement would offer long-term opportunities for local employees, partners, and communities, calling the company’s vision bold and transformative.
The acquisition also represents a follow-through on Davie’s July 2024 pledge to establish a lasting presence in the United States. It is expected to support federal initiatives such as the U.S. Maritime Action Plan and the Ships for America Act. It could play a role in the Coast Guard’s Arctic Security Cutter (ASC) program, which seeks to rapidly deploy ice-capable vessels while boosting domestic shipbuilding capacity.
Davie Expands in U.S. to Increase Icebreaker Production and Create Jobs
With existing operations in Québec, Canada, and Helsinki, Finland—where nearly half of the world’s icebreakers have been built—Davie is set to become a key player in the trilateral Icebreaker Collaboration Effort (ICE Pact) through the planned addition of a U.S. shipyard.
The move would uniquely position the company to deliver advanced icebreakers quickly, at scale, and with cost efficiency—offering a direct counter to heavily subsidized fleets operated by global adversaries. Russia alone maintains a fleet of nearly 50 Arctic-capable icebreakers, while the U.S. currently has only three in service, making the expansion a matter of strategic urgency.
Davie brings production-ready, commercially viable icebreaker designs that align with U.S. mission needs. This enables faster timelines and more efficient use of public funds for national security-focused shipbuilding programs. Upon finalising the transaction and securing necessary contracts, the company plans to invest $1 billion to upgrade facilities in Galveston and Port Arthur. The investment is expected to create about 4,000 American jobs, split evenly between direct employment at Gulf Copper and roles across the supporting supply chain.
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Source: AJOT
