**Davie Plans $1B Expansion in Texas with Acquisition of Gulf Copper Assets**
Davie, a leading international builder of icebreakers and specialized vessels, has announced plans to acquire shipbuilding assets in Galveston and Port Arthur from Gulf Copper & Manufacturing Corporation, a Texas-based leader in ship repair, construction, and marine services.
The move marks a significant expansion for Davie, which brings to the U.S. market commercially viable, production-ready icebreaker designs tailored to meet national mission requirements. This development is expected to lead to faster ship delivery and greater cost efficiency for American taxpayers.
Currently, the U.S. has only three operational Arctic-ready icebreakers, prompting concerns over a critical national security gap—especially when compared to Russia, which operates a fleet of around 50 icebreakers. Addressing this disparity has become a high priority for the U.S. government.
Once the acquisition is finalized and contracts are in place, Davie intends to invest $1 billion to modernize and expand the Texas facilities. This major investment could create approximately 4,000 American jobs—2,000 directly at the Gulf Copper sites and an additional 2,000 throughout the wider supply chain.
To expedite the transaction, Davie is collaborating closely with local organizations and stakeholders in Galveston and Port Arthur, as well as the State of Texas. The project has also received strong support from officials in Washington, D.C.
