Davie Defense Inc. has secured $21.8 million in state funding to support the construction of Arctic icebreaker ships in Galveston and Port Arthur, officials announced Wednesday.
Greg Abbott approved the grant through the Texas Enterprise Fund as part of an effort aligned with Donald Trump’s push to expand production of Arctic Security Cutters — also known as polar icebreakers — to strengthen national security in the Arctic.
State officials said the project is expected to create more than 2,400 jobs in the Galveston and Port Arthur areas and generate over $730 million in business investment across Texas.
“Their presence is vital to our economic growth and benefits not only Galveston, but the entire nation,” said Craig Brown in a news release.
Icebreakers are specialized vessels designed to navigate ice-covered waters, helping keep trade routes open and supporting critical operations in regions affected by seasonal or permanent ice.
The United States Coast Guard confirmed Wednesday that it has finalized contracts for 11 Arctic Security Cutters following the presidential directive to expand the country’s icebreaker fleet. Prior to the expansion, the Coast Guard operated two Arctic Security Cutters, according to White House officials.
“Accelerating construction of these cutters will enable the Coast Guard to defend our northern border and approaches, while strengthening domestic shipbuilding and reinforcing the nation’s industrial base,” said Kevin Lunday.
Davie Defense established its Texas manufacturing footprint after closing the acquisition of shipbuilding assets from Gulf Copper & Manufacturing Corporation in December 2025. The facilities will support production of icebreakers and other specialized vessels.
According to Coast Guard officials, the company plans to build two Arctic Security Cutters in Finland and three in the United States, with the first vessel expected to be delivered in early 2028.
