Feature Photo: Davie Defense leadership and distinguished leaders break ground on the modernization of Gulf Copper Shipyard. Image: Davie Defense.
Posted: 6-7-2026
Galveston (Galveston County) — Davie Defense broke ground on the modernization of the Gulf Copper shipbuilding facilities in Galveston and Port Arthur. This historic milestone and investment in America’s maritime industrial base also mark the return of complex shipbuilding to Texas for the first time in decades.
The groundbreaking ceremony featured remarks from the ownership and leadership of Davie Defense and Gulf Copper, and U.S. government officials.
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 Gulf Copper project is expected to create approximately 2,400 new American jobs, with a broader statewide economic impact estimated to support up to 7,000 jobs through supply chain and related economic activity, according to a 2025 independent economic study by Austin-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.
Edited from news release.
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