Davie Defense announced the closing of the acquisition of the shipbuilding assets of Gulf Copper & Manufacturing Corporation in Galveston and Port Arthur, Texas. The transaction includes all necessary approvals from the U.S. Government, including that of the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States (CFIUS).
Davie Defense is an American shipbuilder and is part of Inocea, a British private equity naval industrial group with operations in the United States, Canada, and Finland, whose facilities design, build, and maintain mission-critical vessels, such as icebreakers, warships, ferries, and cruise ships.
As part of the Inocea Group, the acquisition makes Davie Defense the newest specialized shipbuilder in the United States, backed by Davie Shipbuilding in Canada and Helsinki Shipyard in Finland, at a time when the Donald Trump Administration is prioritizing the Arctic.
The acquisition strengthens Inocea’s presence in the U.S. while Davie Defense enhances its capabilities and prepares to compete in major programs, supporting the Administration’s broader focus on revitalizing American shipbuilding.
Gulf Copper will continue to operate as a repair and manufacturing hub, supported by its experienced management team and staff, who will remain in their positions. Kai Skvarla, Chief Executive Officer of Davie Defense, will assume the role of Chief Executive Officer of Gulf Copper, while the current CEO, Steve Hale, will continue to advise to ensure a smooth transition.
Kai Skvarla, new Chief Executive Officer of Gulf Copper, stated that “the new facilities in Texas, which have over 350 employees, will be key to expanding our operations in the U.S. Our goal is simple: to deliver the capacity and ships that the United States urgently needs. While others debate new approaches, Davie Defense is implementing, building polar icebreakers, exploring other opportunities to grow our workforce, and applying decades of proven experience to support our Coast Guard and our government partners.”
James Davies, co-founder of Inocea Group, explained that “the closing of this acquisition marks a decisive moment in our Group’s trajectory. We are now truly transatlantic, operating in the United States, Canada, and Finland, and we are proud to welcome the Gulf Copper team to our U.S. presence. This milestone was made possible by leaders and collaborators who fought to open the doors to a renewed industrial force, new opportunities for American workers, and a revitalized national shipbuilding capacity.”
Alex Vicefield, co-founder of Inocea Group, indicated that “the integration of Gulf Copper into Inocea is a fundamental step in our ambition to become the world’s leading specialized shipbuilder. Our transatlantic platform, spanning the United States, Canada, and Finland, is specifically designed to deliver the industrial robustness and trusted capability that our governments and commercial partners need.
Operating in Texas consolidates our long-term commitment to the United States and strengthens the Western maritime base at a time when collaboration between allies in shipbuilding has never been more important.
Steve Hale, outgoing CEO of Gulf Copper, stated that “Gulf Copper has been part of the fabric of the shipbuilding business on the Gulf Coast for more than 75 years. Its incorporation into Davie Defense opens a significant new chapter: long-term stability, new opportunities for our people, and continued support for the maritime communities we proudly serve.”
“Revitalizing the U.S. Coast Guard’s icebreaking capabilities is crucial for our security and prosperity, and today’s announcement is an important step in that direction,” stated U.S. Secretary of Homeland Security, Kristi Noem.
