A proposed deal between Davie and Gulf Copper could transform Texas into America’s premier icebreaker shipbuilding center, creating thousands of jobs and strengthening national security capabilities.
Texas is on the verge of emerging as a significant hub for icebreaker production in the U.S. This development follows Davie's announcement regarding its intention to acquire shipyard assets located in Galveston and Port Arthur from Gulf Copper & Manufacturing Corporation.
The acquisition, pending financial, legal, and regulatory approvals, is anticipated to finalize by summer 2025. Discussions regarding land leases with the Galveston Wharves Board of Trustees are currently in progress. If finalized, the deal would signify Davie’s inaugural permanent presence in the United States and has the potential to usher in a new chapter of intricate shipbuilding in Texas.
This initiative aligns with key national objectives, such as the U.S. Maritime Action Plan, the Ships for America Act, and the U.S. Coast Guard’s Arctic Security Cutter (ASC) program, which focuses on enhancing the nation’s fleet of Arctic-capable icebreakers.
“We align our goals with Gulf Copper to transform Texas into a premier center for American icebreaker and intricate ship manufacturing,” stated James Davies, president and CEO of Davie. “Texas is poised to usher in a new era of American shipbuilding, supported by our dedication to delivering vessels punctually, within budget, and in alignment with national security objectives.”
Gulf Copper CEO Steve Hale described the agreement as “transformational,” noting that it has the potential to reintroduce complex shipbuilding to Galveston and Port Arthur after many years. Davie is set to allocate $1 billion for the enhancement and expansion of the shipyards, which is expected to generate approximately 4,000 jobs for Americans — 2,000 at the shipyards themselves and another 2,000 throughout the supply chain.
Davie, currently operating in Canada and Finland, asserts that establishing a U.S. shipyard would position it as a pivotal participant in the Icebreaker Collaboration Effort (ICE Pact), a trilateral alliance aimed at expediting the delivery of icebreakers.
Davie emphasized the critical nature of the project, pointing out that the United States operates only three Arctic-ready icebreakers, which is significantly fewer than Russia's nearly 50. Key players in Texas and Washington, D.C., have expressed strong support for the initiative, considering it essential for both national security and economic growth.
