- The naval services platform combining Eptec Defence and AMP United will serve U.S., Australian and allied fleets
- The platform brings together over 600 employees across six locations to support vessel preservation, repair and specialist services
- The launch comes as AUKUS and other allied security partnerships are deepening demand for shared naval sustainment capacity across the Indo-Pacific
Private investment firm Arlington Capital Partners has announced the formation of Highwater, a new naval services platform built to address growing demand for vessel preservation, repair and specialist sustainment services across the U.S., Australian and allied fleets. The company was formed by combining Eptec Defence, an Arlington portfolio company, with AMP United, a U.S. provider of naval preservation, structural and scaffolding services, ACP announced Tuesday.
What Is Highwater & What Does It Do?
Highwater is positioned as a full-service naval preservation platform with deep experience supporting the U.S. Navy and Royal Australian Navy’s programs, including submarines, aircraft carriers and surface ships. Its core services cover surface preparation, coatings, containment, abatement, scaffolding, structural support and related maintenance work that accelerates repair cycles and extends vessel service life.
The company operates from six locations, including Norfolk, San Diego, Honolulu, Sydney, Adelaide and Perth. Highwater will have over 600 employees across all sites.
Why Was Highwater Created Now?
According to ACP, the launch timing reflects an urgent readiness issue. U.S., Australian and allied fleets are falling behind current operational requirements in the speed at which vessels complete maintenance availabilities and return to active service. The company said Highwater was established specifically to help close the gap by offering broader lifecycle capabilities under a single brand at a scale that fragmented market players cannot match.
The formation also coincides with
the deepening of allied naval relationships through security partnerships such as AUKUS, which is expanding the pool of vessels requiring maintenance support across the Indo-Pacific region.
As allied fleets prioritize modernization and readiness across the Indo-Pacific, the Potomac Officers Club’s 2026 Navy Summit on Aug. 27 will bring together government and industry leaders to discuss the partnerships and innovations strengthening the future of naval operations. Register here.
What Did Highwater’s Leadership Say?
Steve Zogas, CEO of Highwater, said the platform’s combined U.S. and Australian presence makes it uniquely suited to the demands of the current threat environment.
“Our customers need a partner that can move with urgency, operate safely in complex shipyard environments and deliver repeatable quality at scale across ports. Highwater’s U.S. and Australian footprint and past performance are uniquely suited to service nuclear-powered vessels and surface ships that address Indo-Pacific threats,” Zogas said.
Peter Lignos, CEO of AMP United, described the launch as a milestone built on years of operational groundwork.
“Today is validation of the key foundations of operational excellence and culture that we have worked to build and maintain. We look forward to continuing to deliver on future strategic initiatives with our new partners at Highwater, Eptec Defence and Arlington,” Lignos said.
What Does Arlington Capital Partners Say About the Investment?
Peter Manos, a managing partner at ACP, framed the launch as a deliberate bet on a fragmented but strategically vital market.
“As geopolitical competition intensifies and naval fleets face growing operational demands, naval modernization and preservation is essential to fleet readiness. This market remains highly fragmented, and Arlington is excited to invest in infrastructure and human capital that is required to drive high quality results for our prime contractor and government customers,” Manos said.
Who Has Joined Highwater’s Board?
Highwater has welcomed Vice Admiral William Galinis to its board of directors. Galinis previously served as commander of Naval Sea Systems Command, where he oversaw shipbuilding and maintenance programs across submarines, carriers and surface ships. His appointment signals the company’s intent to keep fleet readiness at the center of its strategic direction as it grows its capabilities and customer base.
