Gulf Copper LLC

07/30/2026

Happy National Intern Day.

Today we're celebrating our apprentices, who are training for something historic: they're the first shipfitters to help build new ships on the Gulf Coast since World War II, starting with the U.S. Coast Guard's Arctic Security Cutters, all while earning a paycheck.

Gulf Copper has spent 75+ years leading in ship repair and fabrication, and now, for the first time in generations, we're building too.

"It's great being able to start a new career without the massive debt." — Apprentice Alice Blackwater, as told to

Ready to build your future? Our next Shipfitter Apprenticeship cohort begins this September at our Galveston and Port Arthur facilities.

Earn while you learn, gain valuable hands-on experience, and become part of a team that's making history.

Build your future with Gulf Copper. Apply today!

07/15/2026

Join us at the Port Arthur Job Fair on Wednesday, July 22, from 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM at Workforce Solutions, 4680 FM 365, Port Arthur, TX.

Come explore career opportunities and meet our recruiting team.

07/06/2026

We’re proud to announce the promotion of Ed Schendzelos to General Manager at Gulf Copper.

Since joining the team in 2022, Ed has grown through multiple roles and made a strong impact across our operations, most recently leading estimating and planning efforts that helped expand our business.

With a background in marine engineering and hands-on industry experience, Ed brings both technical expertise and strong leadership to this role.

Please join us in congratulating Ed on this well-deserved promotion.

06/12/2026

Gulf Copper was proud to participate in the Lamar University Summer Kickoff Job Fair hosted at the Lamar Institute of Technology (LIT) Center this week.

Events like these provide an excellent opportunity to connect with students, veterans, skilled trades professionals, and members of the local workforce while sharing the exciting opportunities available throughout our organization.

We were especially excited to discuss Gulf Copper's growing role in supporting national defense initiatives, including our work related to the upcoming Arctic Security Cutter program, as well as our Shipfitter Apprenticeship Program, which is helping develop the next generation of skilled craftsmen along the Gulf Coast.

A special thank you to Lamar Institute of Technology, Workforce Solutions Southeast Texas, and all of the event organizers for hosting such a successful event. We appreciate the opportunity to engage with our community and showcase the rewarding career paths available at Gulf Copper.

We look forward to continuing to invest in workforce development and creating opportunities for individuals seeking careers in the maritime, shipbuilding, and industrial sectors.

06/12/2026

We are excited to announce the launch of Gulf Copper's 2nd Shipfitter Apprentice Cohort, which officially began on Monday, June 15, 2026!

This program continues to provide a unique opportunity for individuals interested in pursuing a rewarding career in the maritime and shipbuilding industries. Through our partnership with Lamar State College Port Arthur, apprentices receive classroom instruction and hands-on training while earning a paycheck from day one.

Our "Earn While You Learn" model allows participants to develop valuable shipfitting skills, gain real-world experience, and build a foundation for long-term career growth in an industry that is critical to the Gulf Coast and our nation's maritime capabilities.

We would like to congratulate the members of Cohort #2 and welcome them to the Gulf Copper team. We look forward to supporting their development and watching them grow into the next generation of skilled craftsmen.

Interested in joining a future class? Be on the lookout for information regarding our 3rd Shipfitter Apprentice Cohort, anticipated to begin in September 2026. The official start date and application details will be announced soon.

Earn While You Learn. Build Your Future with Gulf Copper and Lamar State College Port Arthur.

06/05/2026

Gulf Copper Completes Second Set of DDG Units in Partnership with Huntington Ingalls

GALVESTON, Texas, June 05, 2026 — Gulf Copper, LLC, the leading marine repair and new construction company, today announced it has completed its second set of outfitted structural units in support of the construction of select U.S. Navy Flight III Arleigh Burke-class guided missile destroyer (DDG) units. The work, performed in partnership with HII, reinforces the company's momentum following its expanded agreement with HII’s Ingalls Shipbuilding division announced in 2025.

Today’s news reflects Gulf Copper’s commitment to schedule certainty and quality workmanship – and marks another significant step forward in its support of U.S. Navy surface combatant programs.

Gulf Copper worked in close coordination with HII to manage planning, fabrication, assembly, quality controls, and delivery readiness activities to complete the DDG units in accordance with contractual requirements and customer expectations. Throughout the program, Gulf Copper emphasized disciplined ex*****on, safety performance, and cross-functional collaboration across production, engineering, quality, and logistics.

“I’m proud to be a part of a team building warships for the world’s greatest Navy,” said Robert Harris, Program Manager for the DDG Program and a retired DDG sailor (HTC(SW), USNR-TAR-Ret.).

"The Gulf Copper team has done an outstanding job producing quality work that meets the expectations of HII and SUPSHIP," said Carlos Ramirez, Project Manager. "We continue to focus on efficiency and close collaboration with HII, and we are making meaningful progress toward that goal."

Gulf Copper will continue supporting HII and other customers with proven ship repair, fabrication, and marine services capabilities, applying lessons learned from each production set to drive continuous improvement.

06/02/2026

06/02/2026

05/30/2026

In 2025, Gulf Copper became part of Davie Defense — helping revitalize American shipbuilding and create new opportunities for thousands of American workers.

Together, Gulf Copper and Davie Defense are part of Inocea, an international maritime group with five shipbuilding facilities across the United States, Canada, and Finland.

05/04/2026

🚨 ATTENTION SOUTHEAST TEXAS 🚨

Do you have a son or daughter, or know a recent high school graduate ready to start a REAL career?

Gulf Copper is NOW ACCEPTING applicants for our Shipfitter Apprenticeship Program starting June 8th in Port Arthur. ⚓

This isn’t just a job…
✔ Paid training
✔ Hands-on experience
✔ College-supported program (Lamar)
✔ Career path in the Maritime Industry

If they’re ready to learn a trade, earn money, and build a future—this is the opportunity.