Davie Defense Breaks Ground on $1 Billion Gulf Copper Shipyard Modernization in Texas to Build Coast Guard Icebreakers

Davie Defense broke ground on June 1 on the modernization of the Gulf Copper shipbuilding facilities in Galveston and Port Arthur, Texas, marking the return of complex shipbuilding to Texas for the first time in decades.

Up to $1 billion

The first phase of the shipyard upgrade, which overall could reach $1 billion, is scheduled for completion in 2028. That coincides with the start of construction of the first of three Texas-built Arctic Security Cutters for the U.S. Coast Guard; the first two of five vessels will be built at Davie affiliate Helsinki Shipyard in Finland.

2,400 jobs

The project is expected to create approximately 2,400 new jobs, with broader statewide impact estimated to support up to 7,000 jobs. According to Manufacturing Dive, the upgrades are part of Davie’s $3.5 billion Coast Guard contract for five polar icebreakers, finalized on May 13. Davie acquired Gulf Copper in December 2025.

Texas Governor Greg Abbott said:

“This is a quintessential America First project. America has a dire need for more ships. Texas is proud to partner with Davie Defense on this project. These ships will be built in Texas, crewed by Americans, and deployed to defend American sovereignty in the fastest-growing strategic theater on earth: the Arctic.”