Davie Defense Inc. will expand its shipbuilding operations in Galveston and Port Arthur, Texas, focusing on the construction of Arctic icebreakers. The expansion is expected to create over 2,400 new jobs and involve more than $730 million in capital investment. The company has been awarded a Texas Enterprise Fund (TEF) grant of $21,771,000 to support this project.
Governor Greg Abbott said, “With the best business climate in the nation, Texas is a magnet for complex, critical manufacturing. This significant capital investment by Davie Defense will expand economic opportunity in Galveston and Port Arthur and create thousands of good-paying jobs and further bolster national defense by expanding capacity for the manufacture of icebreakers and other specialized vessels for the U.S. government and commercial customers. Texas is positioned to be a national hub for critical shipbuilding and, with our strong workforce, we will be for generations to come.”
Davie Defense aims to make its Texas facilities central to revitalizing American shipbuilding by adding needed capacity to the U.S. industrial base. The company’s investment will support both government and commercial clients.
“Davie Defense is proud to deepen our commitment to Texas,” said Davie Defense CEO Kai Skvarla. “Texas has one of the world’s most business-friendly environments and the scale to support complex shipbuilding — a capability we’re bringing back to Texas for the first time in generations. Our investment will serve American industry and the U.S. government for decades to come — starting with Davie’s globally recognized specialty: the polar-capable icebreakers critical to U.S. national security.”
Senator Robert Nichols commented, “Congratulations to the City of Port Arthur and Davie Defense for their investment and award from the Texas Enterprise Fund. Southeast Texas is a growing hub for manufacturing and development. This investment will help further protect our national and economic security and help create more opportunities for Southeast Texas to grow.”
Representative Christian Manuel added, “This is good news for Port Arthur. It brings skilled jobs and new investment to our community. I welcome the opportunity this project creates for local workers. It also reflects the strength of our region’s workforce and industrial base.”
Galveston Mayor Dr. Craig Brown stated, “Galveston is proud to have been selected by Davie Defense as the location of their shipbuilding facility, and we congratulate them on being the recipient of a Texas Enterprise Fund grant. Their presence is vital to our economic growth and benefits not only Galveston, but the entire nation.”
Port Arthur Mayor Charlotte M. Moses said, “This Texas Enterprise Fund award for Davie Defense, Inc. is great news for Port Arthur and for the people who call this city home. It reflects the steady work being done to bring new opportunities to our community. Davie Defense’s expansion means new jobs, new investment, and real opportunity for our residents. As a city, we are focused on economic growth that supports families, strengthens neighborhoods, and builds a better future for the next generation. We stand ready to work with Davie Defense as this project moves forward and to seeing the positive impact it will have across our community.”
Jefferson County Judge Jeff Branick remarked, “I am extremely excited learn that Davie, a world-renowned shipbuilder, has decided to locate significant operations in Jefferson County and that Governor Abbott has come alongside local governments to incentivize their operations here in Port Arthur.” He also noted collaboration with Lamar State College on workforce training.
Joshua Owens from Galveston Economic Development Partnership said: “Davie Defense chose Galveston because we are a pro-business community with a highly skilled workforce and a deep-water port,” adding that TEF support was crucial in attracting Davie Defense.
Krystle Villarreal Muller from Port Arthur Economic Development Corporation stated: “On behalf of the Port Arthur Economic Development Corporation, we are honored to celebrate the State of Texas’ award of a Texas Enterprise Fund grant to Davie Defense, Inc.” She highlighted confidence in local workforce resilience.
The TEF program offers performance-based grants aimed at encouraging businesses considering relocation or expansion in competition with out-of-state sites.
The Office of Texas Governor Greg Abbott has contributed significantly toward job growth statewide according to its official website. The office maintains primary offices in Austin at the State Insurance Building (source). Governor Abbott was named among TIME’s 100 Most Influential People in 2024 (source). Since his election in 2014 (source), Abbott’s administration has focused on job creation initiatives as well as economic development efforts (source). The office provides services throughout all regions of Texas (source).
