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Defense Maritime Solutions Expanda Chesapeake, Virginia, Production Operations

08/14/2026
Defense Maritime Solutions, Inc. (DMS), an original equipment manufacturer and supplier of shipboard propulsion and auxiliary systems, plans to expand its operations in Chesapeake, Virginia. The more than $30 million project is expected to create 32 jobs.

The investment at the company’s existing facility will increase manufacturing of Wärtsilä engines, which are used in cruise ships, ferries, commercial vessels and specialized military vessels.

“This is a long-term investment in the people, infrastructure, and industrial capabilities required to support the future of the U.S. maritime sector,” said Noble Davidson, President, Defense Maritime Solutions. “By combining Wärtsilä’s proven medium-speed engine technology with DMS’s U.S. based engineering, manufacturing, and lifecycle-support expertise, our customers will be supported with a resilient, responsive, and sustainable source of critical shipboard power and propulsion capability. Chesapeake has been DMS’s home for more than four decades, and we are proud to make this investment here.”

To support the project Governor Abigail Spanberger approved a $300,000 performance-based grant through the Virginia Investment Performance Grant. Funding and services to support employee training activities will also be provided through the Virginia Jobs Investment Program.

“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,” noted 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.”

The Virginia Economic Development Partnership (VEDP) worked with the City of Chesapeake and the Hampton Roads Alliance to secure the project.

“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,” added Hampton Roads Alliance President and CEO Douglas L. Smith.

DMS provides original equipment, integration engineering, manufacturing, field service, repair, overhaul and lifecycle support for shipboard energy and propulsion systems.

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