Two contracts to build up to six Arctic Security Cutter icebreakers in shipyards in Finland and the United States were announced Dec. 29 by the Coast Guard. Expected in 2028 and 2029, the initial ships will be the first newbuilds for the U.S. Arctic fleet since the medium icebreaker Healy was delivered in 1990.
The contracts were awarded Dec. 26 to Rauma Marine Constructions Oy, Rauma, Finland, and Bollinger Shipyards Lockport, L.L.C., Lockport, La.
“Our adversaries continue to look to grow their presence in the Arctic, equipping the Coast Guard with Arctic Security Cutters will help reassert American maritime dominance there,” said Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem. “Revitalizing the U.S. Coast Guard’s icebreaking capabilities is crucial for our security and prosperity, and today's announcement is an important step in that direction.”
"These awards represent decisive action to guarantee American security in the Arctic,” said Adm. Kevin E. Lunday, Coast Guard acting commandant. “The Arctic Security Cutters will deliver the essential capability to uphold U.S. sovereignty against adversaries’ aggressive economic and military actions in the Arctic. These cutters will ensure the Coast Guard’s ability to control, secure, and defend our northern border and maritime approaches – without question."
The contract with Rauma Marine Constructions calls for up to two ASCs to be built in Finland, with a first vessel in 2028; the Bollinger contract includes up to four ASCs to be built in the United States, with first delivery in 2029.
“This plan is designed to take immediate advantage of our Finnish partners’ icebreaker expertise while coordinating the onshoring of that expertise in the United States in the long run,” according to a Coast Guard statement.
Bollinger will construct its ASCs based on the Multi-Purpose Icebreaker design by Seaspan Shipyards, Vancouver, British Columbia, jointly developed with Aker Arctic Technology Inc., Helsinki, Finland.
“Work on the four Bollinger-built ASCs will be based at its shipyard in Houma, La,” according to a Bollinger statement Monday. “Construction of the ASCs will be supported by the company’s workforce at multiple facilities across America’s Gulf Coast to meet the aggressive schedule set forth by President Trump.”
“The Arctic Security Cutter is one of the most consequential and time-sensitive shipbuilding programs in U.S. Coast Guard history, and today’s contract award is a clear vote of confidence in the men and women of Bollinger,” said Ben Bordelon, president and CEO of Bollinger Shipyards. “The program will be Bollinger’s fifth class of cutters built for the Coast Guard, building on our current Sentinel and Polar Security Cutter programs and more than 40 years of experience in delivering over 187 cutters for the service.”
