U.S. Coast Guard Awards Contracts for Up to Six Arctic Security Cutters

U.S. Coast Guard Bolsters Arctic Presence with New Icebreaker Contracts

The U.S. Coast Guard has announced the award of two significant contracts for the construction of up to six Arctic Security Cutter (ASC) icebreakers. These contracts, granted to Rauma Marine Constructions (RMC) of Finland and Bollinger Shipyards Lockport, L.L.C. in Louisiana, mark a pivotal step in enhancing national security and maritime dominance in the increasingly strategic Arctic region. The initiative is part of a joint U.S.-Finland production arrangement designed to rapidly expand American polar capabilities.

Strategic Imperative in the Arctic

The acquisition of these new icebreakers comes amid growing international activity and competition in the Arctic. U.S. officials emphasize the critical need to reassert American presence and uphold sovereignty against the aggressive economic and military actions of adversaries like Russia and China. Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem stated, 'America has been an Arctic nation for over 150 years, and we're finally acting like it under President Trump. 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.' The cutters are designed to defend U.S. sovereignty, secure critical shipping lanes, protect energy and mineral resources, and respond to crises in the region.

Contract Details and Production Timeline

Under the awarded contracts, Rauma Marine Constructions will build up to two ASCs in Finland, with the delivery of the first vessel expected in 2028. Concurrently, Bollinger Shipyards will construct up to four cutters domestically in Louisiana, with the first U.S.-built vessel slated for 2029. This production plan leverages Finland's extensive icebreaker expertise while coordinating the onshoring of that knowledge in the United States. The design for the ASCs is based on the Multi-Purpose Icebreaker (MPI) design, jointly developed by Seaspan Shipyards of Canada and Aker Arctic Technology Inc. of Finland, optimized for extreme polar environments.

Cutter Capabilities and Broader Impact

The Arctic Security Cutters are engineered for robust performance in challenging polar conditions. They are designed to:

• Break through four feet of ice
• Travel 12,000 nautical miles
• Operate for over 60 days

Coast Guard Commandant Adm. Kevin E. Lunday highlighted the significance, stating, '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.' This program is a key component of Force Design 2028, an initiative aimed at transforming the Coast Guard into a more agile, capable, and responsive fighting force.

Conclusion

The awarding of these contracts represents a critical investment in the U.S. Coast Guard's future capabilities in the Arctic. By securing a modern fleet of icebreakers, the United States aims to ensure its ability to operate effectively in the polar regions, safeguarding national interests and maintaining maritime security for decades to come. Ben Bordelon, President and CEO of Bollinger Shipyards, affirmed the program's importance, stating, '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.'