Davie Plans Acquisition of Gulf Copper’s Galveston Shipyard to Boost U.S. Shipbuilding
Canadian shipbuilder Davie announces intent to acquire Gulf Copper’s Galveston and Port Arthur assets, aiming to enhance U.S. icebreaker production.
SPACE 🚀 & DEFENSE 🇺🇸FEATUREDMANUFACTURING 🏭
Galveston, TX — On June 11, 2025, Davie, a leading international shipbuilder, announced its intention to acquire shipbuilding assets in Galveston and Port Arthur from Gulf Copper & Manufacturing, a Texas-based marine services leader, as detailed in a press release embargoed until 12:00 EST today. The Details:
The transaction is subject to financial, legal, regulatory conditions, and land lease negotiations, with completion expected in summer 2025.
Davie CEO James Davies stated, “We share a vision with Gulf Copper to make Texas a world-class hub for American icebreaker and complex ship production.”
Gulf Copper CEO Steve Hale added, “A successful deal will open a new chapter for Gulf Copper… Davie brings a bold vision to make Texas the cornerstone of their U.S. expansion.”
The acquisition aligns with the U.S. Maritime Action Plan, Ships for America Act, and the Coast Guard’s Arctic Security Cutter program, addressing the U.S.’s need for more Arctic-ready icebreakers.
Davie plans a $1 billion investment post-acquisition to upgrade facilities, potentially creating 4,000 jobs, with 2,000 at Gulf Copper and 2,000 in the supply chain.
Why It Matters:
The move supports national security by boosting U.S. icebreaker capacity, currently at three vessels, against Russia’s nearly 50.