Davie Defense Inc. has unveiled the “American Icebreaker Factory” — a $1 billion redevelopment of the historic Gulf Copper shipyard in Galveston, Texas.
The concept was developed in partnership with Pearlson (Florida), a firm with extensive experience managing major projects for leading US shipbuilders, including BAE Systems, Austal USA, and Fincantieri Marinette.
The project aligns with US government priorities such as the Executive Order on American Maritime Dominance, the SHIPS for America Act, and the creation of the Office of Shipbuilding.
“Recapitalizing the nation’s icebreaker fleet and closing the shipbuilding gap with China are now clear national priorities. Our expertise is perfectly positioned to deliver the ships America needs to protect its vital interests in the polar regions,” said Kai Skvarla, CEO of Davie Defense.
Key features of the project:
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the largest expansion of US shipbuilding capacity in decades;
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a dedicated facility for building new US Coast Guard vessels, including the Arctic Security Cutter (ASC);
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support from Helsinki Shipyard (a Davie Defense subsidiary), responsible for building 100% of Finland’s complex polar icebreakers over the past 25 years;
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ongoing development of the Polar Max, which will become one of the world’s most advanced and powerful icebreakers when delivered to Canada by 2030.
According to the company, the project will create over 2,000 skilled jobs in Galveston and more than 7,000 jobs across Texas, generating an estimated $9 billion in statewide economic impact (Impact Data Source).
A ceremonial groundbreaking for America’s most modern shipbuilding facility is scheduled in Texas this fall.
