Davie Defense has broken ground on the modernisation of the Gulf Copper shipbuilding facilities in Galveston and Port Arthur in Texas.
The first phase of the shipyard upgrade, which overall could reach US$1 billion, is scheduled for completion in 2028. Davie Defense said this would coincide with the beginning of construction of the first of three of five Arctic security cutters (ASCs) for the US Coast Guard.
The first two ASCs will be built at Davie Defense affiliate Helsinki Shipyard in Finland, with delivery of the first ship scheduled for 2028.
The “American icebreaker factory” concept was created in collaboration with Florida-based Pearlson, a specialist in shipyard design and program management. The facility will be built at the site once occupied by Gulf Copper and Manufacturing Corporation’s shipyard in Galveston.
Davie Defense completed its acquisition of Gulf Copper's Galveston and Port Arthur facilities in late 2025. The completion of the transaction included all required US Government approvals, including the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States.
Gulf Copper will continue to operate as a repair and fabrication centre, backed by its management team and workforce, who will remain in place.
