Canadian shipbuilder Davie's U.S. affiliate has released detailed renderings for a $1 billion “American Icebreaker Factory” at the Gulf Copper yard in Galveston, targeting rapid delivery of Coast Guard icebreakers backed by new federal funding. An independent study projects the project could have a $9 billion economic impact in Texas and create over 7,000 jobs.
An American subsidiary of the Canadian shipbuilder Davie has unveiled its comprehensive initial plans to transform the Gulf Copper shipyard into a facility dedicated to icebreaker manufacturing, a $1 billion project aimed at boosting icebreaker production in the U.S., according to the company.
Visuals depict a specially designed facility that aligns with the shipbuilding goals set forth during the Trump administration, with a particular emphasis on the Arctic Security Cutter initiative.
Visuals shared alongside the proposal showcase an expansive enclosed fabrication hall complex and an enlarged waterfront apron resulting from land reclamation efforts. The illustrations indicate a plan to substitute four current finger piers with two shiplifts—this setup aligns with the company’s partnership with Florida's Pearlson, an expert in shiplift systems, according to Davie.
Davie announced that the factory is set to be the most significant enhancement to U.S. shipbuilding capabilities in many years, drawing on the knowledge and skills from its sister yard, Helsinki Shipyard in Finland, which has a strong reputation in icebreaker construction.
The company's latest actions in Finland involve integrating operations at Mäntyluoto to enhance steel production for Arctic-class vessels. “Revamping the country’s icebreaker fleet and addressing the shipbuilding disparity with China have emerged as essential national objectives,” stated Davie Defense CEO Kai Skvarla.
The Coast Guard is experiencing an extraordinary surge in funding for shipbuilding due to the recently passed Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, which allocates $3.5 billion specifically for medium icebreakers.
The service has solicited proposals from both U.S. and foreign shipyards for the delivery of an Arctic Security Cutter within three years of the award, highlighting the pressing need to enhance capabilities.
Davie plans to acquire Gulf Copper’s facilities located in Galveston and Port Arthur, awaiting final approvals. Executives assert that the Texas locations, combined with resources from Canada and Finland, enable Davie to vie for opportunities in Coast Guard projects. Davie is making strides in the U.S. to enhance its bid pipeline, aligning with the construction launch of Canada’s Polar Max in Helsinki, according to a recent report.
Should the Coast Guard grant a contract, Davie Defense anticipates that the Galveston site could create direct employment for over 2,000 individuals and bolster more than 7,000 jobs across the state, resulting in an overall economic impact of approximately $9 billion, as reported by an independent study referenced by the company.
A groundbreaking ceremony is scheduled for this fall to mark the beginning of the site transformation, according to the company.
Davie’s plan comes at a time when several teams, including those from the U.S., Canada, and Finland, are vying to deliver medium icebreakers swiftly. This situation highlights the fact that no American yard has constructed a full-size icebreaker in decades, and the deadlines are pressing.
