Defense Maritime Solutions (DMS), an original equipment manufacturer and supplier of shipboard propulsion and auxiliary systems, today announced plans to invest more than $30 million to expand its operations in Chesapeake, Virginia.
The investment is expected to create 32 new jobs and establish U.S. based capabilities for the manufacturing, assembly, integration, testing, finishing, packaging and lifecycle support of Wärtsilä medium-speed engines for marine purposes.
The added capabilities are intended to improve domestic maritime supply-chain resilience, enhance access to power generation technology, strengthen manufacturing readiness and provide increased support throughout the operational life of the U.S. Government fleet.
DMS currently operates from its Chesapeake headquarters, as well as locations in Poulsbo, Washington, and San Diego, California, positioning the company near several of the nation’s largest naval and maritime operating regions. This U.S. based footprint enables DMS to deliver responsive lifecycle support to U.S. Government vessels worldwide, including installations aboard and vessels with specialized access and compliance requirements.
The investment supports the objectives of the Icebreaker Collaboration Effort (ICE Pact), a trilateral agreement between the U.S., Canada, and Finland, led by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, to strengthen domestic and allied shipbuilding capacity.
“The Hampton Roads region offers an exceptional combination of skilled trades, engineering talent, maritime infrastructure, suppliers, and proximity to major fleet and shipbuilding customers,” said Davidson. “We appreciate the support of the Commonwealth of Virginia, the City of Chesapeake, the Virginia Economic Development Partnership, and the Hampton Roads Alliance as we move this important project forward.”
