Building mission-critical vessels for America’s defense, security and maritime future through U.S. shipbuilding capacity and proven Arctic expertise.
About
Davie Defense is a U.S. shipbuilder focused on strengthening America’s maritime industrial base. As part of Inocea Group, a British-owned marine industrial group with operations across the United States, Canada and Finland, Davie Defense combines global shipbuilding expertise with a long-term commitment to expanding U.S. shipbuilding capacity.
Through its modernization of Gulf Copper Shipyards in Texas, Davie Defense is expanding domestic shipbuilding capability, creating skilled manufacturing jobs, and strengthening the industrial base that supports U.S. maritime security.
-
$1B
Investment in the modernization of Gulf Copper Shipyards in Galveston and Port Arthur, Texas
-
5
Arctic Security Cutters contracted by the U.S. Coast Guard
-
2,400
Direct American jobs to be created, with 7,000 more to be supported across the Texas economy
There’s no better place to invest in the future of American industry than Texas, a state with an unshakable belief in building big things and backing those willing to try.
– James Davies, Co-Founder, Inocea Group
Milestones
A New Era for American Shipbuilding
June 1, 2026 — Galveston, Texas
Davie Defense broke ground on the transformation of Gulf Copper Shipyards, marking the beginning of a new era for American shipbuilding, and one defined by investment, innovation, and a renewed commitment to U.S. maritime strength.
For more than 75 years, Gulf Copper has been a leader in ship repair, fabrication, and marine services. Davie Defense’s planned $1 billion investment will transform the Texas shipyards into a world-class shipbuilding complex, creating the infrastructure needed to build the U.S. Coast Guard’s Arctic Security Cutters (ASC) in the United States.
The Arctic Security Cutter is the U.S. Coast Guard’s next generation heavy icebreaker, designed to operate in the world’s most challenging maritime environments. The program will provide the U.S. Coast Guard with a modern icebreaker fleet to strengthen national security, enhance maritime safety, and ensure year-round access to the Arctic.
The importance of ships and domestic, strategic shipbuilding capabilities has never been clearer. Defense procurement is no longer a contingency, and we have to get serious about bringing the right capability quickly and cost-effectively.
– Alex Vicefield, Co-Founder, Inocea Group
News
Happy Fourth of July from Davie Defense.
As the United States marks 250 years, we recognize the important role American shipbuilding has played in our nation’s security and maritime leadership, and the role it will continue to play in the years ahead.
Davie Defense is committed to building on that legacy by delivering for the evolving needs of the U.S. fleet.
Today was such an exciting day, as Davie Defense officially broke ground for the modernization of our Gulf Copper shipyard.
It was a pleasure to welcome partners and guests to Galveston, TX as we shared our vision for a new era of American shipbuilding and our commitment to the Texas maritime community.
Media
Download press materials and media assets, or contact [email protected] for additional information.