Defense Maritime Solutions Expands in Chesapeake with $30M+ Investment
RICHMOND, VA — Governor Abigail Spanberger today announced Defense Maritime Solutions (DMS) — a leading manufacturer and supplier of shipboard energy and propulsion systems — will invest more than $30 million to expand its operations in Chesapeake, creating 32 new jobs in the Commonwealth.
“Defense Maritime Solutions’ expansion in Chesapeake strengthens both Virginia’s economy and our nation’s national security,” said Governor Abigail Spanberger. “By increasing domestic production of critical ship systems, DMS is strengthening America’s defense supply chain, creating new opportunities for hardworking Virginians, and reinforcing Hampton Roads as our nation’s premier defense hub. I am proud that a company with deep roots in the Commonwealth continues to choose Virginia as their home to invest, innovate, and grow.”
Through this investment, DMS will expand domestic manufacturing of Wärtsilä engines, reducing the company’s reliance on offshore production facilities. The company will also align with the objectives of the Icebreaker Collaboration Effort — a trilateral agreement between the United States, Canada, and Finland led by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security to strengthen domestic and allied shipbuilding capacity.
“Virginia offers manufacturers like Defense Maritime Solutions the assets they need to succeed: a skilled workforce that leads the defense industry, world-class port and logistics infrastructure, and unmatched proximity to military customers and decision-makers,” said Secretary of Commerce and Trade Carrie Chenery. “DMS’ continued investment in Chesapeake demonstrates the strength of Virginia’s defense industrial base and the confidence industry leaders have in the Commonwealth as a long-term partner for growth. We look forward to supporting the company’s continued success and the creation of new jobs in Hampton Roads.”
“This project is a strategic investment in our customers, our workforce, and the future of the U.S. maritime industrial base,” said Defense Maritime Solutions President Noble Davidson. “Developing U.S. based production and testing capabilities for Wärtsilä medium-speed engines in Chesapeake will allow us to better support the Navy, Coast Guard, and other government fleets while strengthening supply-chain resilience and creating highly skilled manufacturing careers. We are grateful to the Commonwealth of Virginia and our local and regional partners for helping bring this capability to Hampton Roads.”
Established in 1979 and headquartered in the City of Chesapeake, with additional locations in Poulsbo, Washington, and San Diego, California, DMS supports operations at several of the U.S. Navy’s largest bases. In addition to the U.S. Navy, DMS supports U.S. Department of War, U.S. Coast Guard, and National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration fleets.
“Chesapeake has long been a city where innovation and maritime industry go hand in hand, and Defense Maritime Solutions’ continued investment is another example of that legacy in action,” said City of Chesapeake Mayor Rick West. “Their expansion illustrates the confidence that long-standing employers have in Chesapeake’s workforce and pro-business climate, and it will help to create new jobs and opportunities for our residents. We are grateful for Defense Maritime Solutions’ commitment to the Chesapeake community, and we look forward to sharing in their continued success and growth.”
“I congratulate Defense Maritime Solutions and the City of Chesapeake on this exciting investment. Defense Maritime Solutions’ continued growth reflects the strength of Hampton Roads’ skilled workforce, world-class defense industrial base, and collaborative business environment,” said Hampton Roads Alliance President and CEO Douglas L. Smith. “This investment advances our strategy to grow nationally competitive defense, energy, aerospace, and logistics industries while reinforcing Hampton Roads’ position as a leading hub for defense innovation and advanced manufacturing.”
The Virginia Economic Development Partnership worked with the City of Chesapeake and the Hampton Roads Alliance to secure the project for Virginia. Governor Spanberger approved a performance-based grant of $300,000 from the Virginia Investment Performance Grant, an incentive that encourages continued capital investment by existing Virginia companies. Funding and services to support the company’s employee training activities will be provided through the Virginia Jobs Investment Program.
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