- U.S. Approvals Clear Path for New Specialised Builder.
- Move Aligns With Push to Strengthen Arctic and Domestic Capacity.
- ICE Pact Positions Company in Trilateral Icebreaker Effort.
Davie Defence has officially wrapped up its acquisition of shipbuilding assets in Galveston and Port Arthur, marking a significant step into the American maritime industry. The transaction, which took place on December 3, received the green light from U.S. authorities, including the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States, reports gCaptain.
New Specialised Builder Backed by Global Network
With this acquisition, the company emerges as the newest specialised shipbuilder in America, bolstered by sister facilities in Canada and Finland under the British-owned Inocea Group. CEO Kai Skvarla will take the reins of the Texas operations, while the outgoing CEO, Steve Hale, will continue to guide as an advisor. More than 350 employees will stay on as operations carry on.
Strategic Alignment With U.S. Arctic Priorities
This move aligns with President Donald Trump’s call to revitalise domestic shipbuilding and enhance Arctic capabilities. Currently, the U.S. has only a few operational polar icebreakers, while Russia and China boast much larger fleets.
Key Role in ICE Pact Collaboration
The company is stepping up as a key industrial partner in the Icebreaker Collaboration Effort (ICE Pact), a trilateral initiative involving the U.S., Canada, and Finland that was launched in 2024. Recent agreements between the U.S. and Finland are set to strengthen collaboration in icebreaker construction and Arctic defence.
Bid to Supply New Arctic Security Cutters
The company is in talks to provide five Arctic Security Cutters to the U.S. Coast Guard, based on a cutting-edge design from Helsinki Shipyard. They assert that they can deliver the first vessel just 26 months after the contract is signed.
Leadership Praises Milestone Acquisition
“This acquisition confirms Davie Defence as a permanent part of the United States shipbuilding industry,” Skvarla said. Co-founder James Davies called the deal “a defining moment,” noting the company’s transatlantic presence across the U.S., Canada, and Finland.
Major Investment in Texas Facilities
A presidential deal announced in October includes building new icebreakers in the United States, with three planned for Galveston. The company intends to invest $1 billion to create an “American Icebreaker Factory,” projected to support over 2,000 direct jobs and more than 7,000 statewide.
Industry Competition Strengthens
However, the company will face stiff competition from a consortium led by a Louisiana-based builder, which has teamed up with Rauma Shipyards, Seaspan Shipyards, and Aker Arctic Technology.
Legacy of Texas Yard and Future Vision
Hale expressed enthusiasm about the transition, noting that the acquisition brings new opportunities and stability to the long-established Gulf Coast facilities. The U.S. Coast Guard’s vision for the future includes a fleet of 8 to 9 polar icebreakers, aligning with President Trump’s larger goal of acquiring at least 40.
Did you subscribe to our daily Newsletter?
It’s Free Click here to Subscribe!
Source: gCaptain
