Davie, a prominent international builder specializing in icebreakers and other specialized vessels, has announced plans to acquire shipbuilding assets in Galveston and Port Arthur from Gulf Copper & Manufacturing Corporation. This Texas-based company is recognized for its expertise in ship repair, construction, and marine services.
Although the transaction is set to move forward, it remains contingent upon financial, legal, and regulatory approvals, as well as negotiations for land leases with the Galveston Wharves Board of Trustees. Davie anticipates completing the acquisition by summer 2025.
James Davies, President and CEO of Davie, articulated a shared vision with Gulf Copper to establish Texas as a world-class hub for American icebreaker and complex ship production. He expressed confidence that Texas is poised to enter a new Golden Age of American shipbuilding, emphasizing Davie’s commitment to delivering vessels on time and within budget to support national security priorities.
Steve Hale, CEO of Gulf Copper, also highlighted the significance of this potential deal, remarking that it could mark the return of complex shipbuilding to the region for the first time in decades. Hale emphasized the opportunities this acquisition could create for employees, partners, and local communities, boosted by Davie’s ambitious vision of utilizing Texas as a cornerstone for its U.S. expansion.
This acquisition aligns with national priorities such as the U.S. Maritime Action Plan and the Ships for America Act. It is expected to support the U.S. Coast Guard’s Arctic Security Cutter program, which aims to enhance U.S. capabilities in producing new Arctic-ready icebreakers.
Once finalized, Davie intends to invest $1 billion in upgrades and expansions at these Texas shipyards, potentially creating around 4,000 jobs—2,000 directly and another 2,000 across the supply chain. The organization is actively collaborating with stakeholders in Galveston and Port Arthur, as well as the State of Texas, to expedite the transaction, which has also garnered solid backing in Washington, D.C.