Davie Defense breaks ground on $1B Gulf Copper shipyards modernization

The groundbreaking comes just under a year after Davie announced its plans for the Gulf Copper acquisition. The first phase of the shipyard upgrade, which overall could reach $1 billion, is scheduled for completion in 2028. This coincides with the beginning of construction of the first of three of five Arctic Security Cutters (ASC) for the U.S. Coast Guard. The first two vessels will be built at Davie Defense affiliate Helsinki Shipyard in Finland, with delivery of the first ship in 2028.      The groundbreaking ceremony featured remarks from the ownership and leadership of Davie Defense and Gulf Copper, and U.S. government officials, including Office of Management and Budget Director Russell Vought, U.S. Senator Ted Cruz, Congressman Randy Weber (TX-14), Texas Governor Greg Abbott, Department of Homeland Security Deputy Secretary Troy Edgar and U.S. Coast Guard Commandant Admiral Kevin Lunday.

The Gulf Copper project is expected to create approximately 2,400 new American jobs, with broader statewide economic impact estimated to support up to 7,000 jobs through supply chain and related economic activity, says Davie Defense, citing a 2025 independent economic study by Austin, Texas-based analyst, Impact Data Source.

Davie Defense was also honored to host Battleship Texas for a special salute during the groundbreaking event. An enduring symbol of American sea power, the ship served 34 years in the U.S. Navy, including five WWII campaigns, after being commissioned in 1914. Now under renovation at Gulf Copper, Battleship Texas will continue to receive in-kind support from the shipyard as the Battleship Texas Foundation transforms her into a modern, world-class museum.       “America cannot restore maritime strength without rebuilding its industrial capability,” said Philip Burns-O’Brien, president & CEO Davie Defense & Gulf Copper. “Gulf Copper is more than a facility investment, it is part of the broader vision to revive U.S. shipbuilding capacity as strategic competition increases. Texas has the industrial foundation, talent and ambition to lead this renaissance.”      “This groundbreaking is about rebuilding sovereign capability, strengthening America’s maritime security and restoring the West’s ability to deliver complex ships at speed and scale,” said James Davies, co-founder & CEO of Davie Defense’s parent, Inocea Group. “Our group has spent 15 years proving that Western shipbuilders can be transformed into world-class industrial assets. We are proud to bring our experience and expertise to the great state of Texas.”      “The return of complex shipbuilding to Texas is a historic milestone for the United States,” said Alex Vicefield, co-founder & chairman Inocea Group. “Gulf Copper gives us a strategic foothold in one of America’s most important maritime centers, with access to talent, infrastructure and world-class partners. This investment reflects our belief that the United States can once again become the global leader in shipbuilding.”      “Texas is ground zero for the revitalization of the American shipbuilding industry,” said Gov. Greg Abbott. “Davie Defense’s significant investment in this expanded shipbuilding facility will bring more advanced defense manufacturing to our great state, create thousands of good-paying jobs, and enhance America’s maritime security.”

“This shipyard is going to create high-paying, skilled jobs across this region—jobs for welders, engineers, and technicians. I want to thank the leaders and the workers who helped make this possible,” said Senator Cruz. “As Chairman of the Senate Commerce Committee, I made sure that the Coast Guard got the largest investment in its history – over $24 billion, more than double its entire annual budget – in the landmark Working Families Tax Cuts Act last summer. This shipyard shows that when you eliminate government bureaucracy and back it with real investment, opportunity inevitably follows. In Texas, we don’t slow down for Washington. We build, and we lead.”      “Congratulations to Davie Defense on the groundbreaking of the Gulf Copper shipyard,” said Sen. Cornyn. “This historic investment in Galveston and Port Arthur will bring thousands of well-paying jobs to Texans, modernize our Coast Guard fleet through the construction of Arctic Security Cutters, and strengthen our shipbuilding capabilities to bolster our national security.”