Battleship Texas Restoration
Preserving History, Engineering the Future
The Project
The Battleship Texas is a symbol of American naval history, recognized for its groundbreaking advancements in warfare technology and distinguished service in both World Wars. From 2019 to 2024, Valkor Energy Services (VES) played a central role in managing the ship’s restoration — ensuring this iconic vessel is preserved for future generations.
Project Value
Vendors & Contractors Coordinated
Restoration Effort
Gallons of Foam Installed/Removed
Tons of New Steel Replaced
Man-hours in Shipyard without Lost Time Incident
Where Others See Barriers
VES brings the insight, discipline, and execution to move projects forward.
Challenges
Developed robust contingency
plans (Plan A, B, and beyond)
Coordination of 100+ vendors, trades, and specialists
Risk of towing a 108-year-old battleship through the Houston Ship Channel
Unpredictable weather and environmental conditions
Solution
Developed robust contingency
plans (Plan A, B, and beyond)
Designed and executed a safe, insurable tow plan with USCG and stakeholders
Maintained daily on-site leadership and rapid decision-making
Built vendor partnerships to streamline workflows and maintain schedules
Continuing the Mission
VES is proud to have helped safeguard the Battleship Texas. The restoration and educational programs continue — join us in helping conserve history.
After decades of exposure, the vessel required one of the most complex preservation efforts in U.S. naval history.
Historical Significance
Commissioned in 1914, USS Texas (BB-35) made history as:
The first battleship outfitted with anti-aircraft guns
The first battleship to launch an aircraft from its deck
A decorated warship in both WWI (North Sea patrols) and WWII (D-Day, Iwo Jima, Okinawa)
After decades of exposure, the vessel required one of the most complex preservation efforts in U.S. naval history.
VES Role in the Restoration
VES provided total Project Management including strategic leadership, vendor coordination, and on-site supervision from feasibility studies and legislative testimony to daily management of 100+ personnel in dry dock.
Key Responsibilities
VES leads complex maritime projects from planning to execution, overseeing funding, logistics, structural restoration, and risk management to ensure safety, efficiency, and exceptional results.
Securing Project Funding
Contracted by the BTF for feasibility studies and legislative testimony to secure state funding
Tow Plan Development
Development of vessel preparation and insurable tow plan through the Houston Ship Channel
Shipyard & Dry Docking
Selection of shipyard partner including dry dock acquisition in Galveston
Hull Repairs Oversight
Supervised hull repairs: 700 tons of steel replaced, blister tanks rebuilt, hull repainted
Deck & Structure Restoration
Managed wood deck restoration campaign and superstructure repairs
Hurricane Mooring Strategy
Oversaw hurricane mooring strategy during Category 1 Hurricane Beryl
Restoring History Together: The Battleship Texas Project
Key Phases
Assessment
& Planning
Feasibility, funding, risk & tow plan
Preparation
& Tow
Foam installation, dredging, successful tow to Galveston
Dry Docking
& Hull Repairs
18 months in dry dock, steel replacement, blister tank rebuild
Superstructure & Historical Restoration
Gun platform repairs, superstructure painting, foretop restoration, deck replacement
Final Touches & Engagement
Cosmetic and interior refurbishments, public engagement, ongoing preservation
Gallery
Preserving history and solving complexity
VES delivers where it matters most.
Preserving history and solving complexity