(LEVIS, Quebec) — Davie, Canada’s largest shipbuilder, has announced its intention to make a significant, long-term commitment to the American shipbuilding industry.
Pending final site and partner selection, the commitment would include a major investment in a U.S. shipyard. Davie’s decision coincides with a series of actions announced by the U.S. government to boost the efficiency, resilience and competitiveness of U.S. shipbuilding. The production of superior U.S. ships for both domestic and international markets is anticipated to revitalize American sea power, spur economic growth, and create skilled jobs for American workers.
Davie’s plans are also aligned with the ICE Pact, a collaboration between the United States, Canada and Finland announced on July 11. The agreement will enhance the production of in-demand polar icebreakers in participating countries boosting economic, climate and national security, while supporting vital shared interests in the contested polar regions.
Louisiana-based Bollinger Shipyards will play a critical role in the ICE Pact and its efforts to strengthen the polar capabilities of the United States and its allies, according to the U.S. government. Bollinger is currently under contract to build three polar security cutters (PSCs) for the U.S. Coast Guard and has invested over $20 million in private capital in its shipyard.
Operating continuously since 1825, Davie has built over 720 specialized vessels, including many icebreakers. Currently, it has the world’s largest order book for heavy icebreakers that the yard is building for Canada. Davie is also the owner of Helsinki Shipyard in Finland, renowned for its polar shipbuilding supply chain. Established in 1865, Helsinki Shipyard has built more than 50 percent of the current global icebreaker fleet.
Davie has a history of supporting America’s skilled shipbuilders on strategic projects such as the U.S. Navy’s Nimitz-class aircraft carriers and Arleigh Burke-class destroyers.
