Bollinger Shipyards and Edison Chouest Offshore Launches United Shipbuilding

Bollinger Shipyards and Edison Chouest Offshore (ECO) have joined forces to form the United Shipbuilding Alliance (USA), a strategic partnership aimed at enhancing the design and construction of next-generation icebreakers. This collaboration comes in response to the U.S. Coast Guard’s urgent request for information regarding Arctic Security Cutters, highlighting the need for rapid and efficient vessel production to meet national security demands in the Arctic region.

Streamlined Solutions for National Security

The United Shipbuilding Alliance is set to provide a fully integrated approach to the design, construction, and delivery of icebreakers tailored to the pressing operational needs of the Arctic. In April, the U.S. Coast Guard issued a Request for Information regarding icebreaking-capable vessels, emphasizing the importance of commercial solutions in national security. The partnership aims to expedite the acquisition process, which typically spans 33 months from contract award to delivery.

Recent successes in commercial vessel construction, such as the acquisition of the USCGC STORIS, demonstrate the effectiveness of this approach. The STORIS, an American-built icebreaker, was delivered in under three years, showcasing the potential for efficiency in meeting national security requirements. By adopting a commercial acquisition method, the USA anticipates saving U.S. taxpayers over 40% by minimizing bureaucratic hurdles and streamlining vendor selection processes.

Ben Bordelon, President and CEO of Bollinger Shipyards, emphasized the importance of American industry in addressing urgent needs. He stated, “If the mission demands speed, efficiency, and innovation, the answer is clear, let American industry lead.” This sentiment reflects a broader commitment to revitalizing U.S. shipbuilding capabilities, aligning with national security priorities.

Bollinger Starts Construction of US Coast Guard’s First Modern Polar Cutter

Leveraging Expertise for Arctic Operations

The partnership between Bollinger and ECO combines over 144 years of experience in shipbuilding, supported by a skilled workforce of more than 6,000 employees across 33 operational facilities in the Gulf of America. Together, they have successfully built and delivered four icebreakers in the last three decades. Currently, Bollinger is working on the Polar Security Cutter (PSC) program for the U.S. Coast Guard, having taken over the project in late 2022 after the previous contractor faced significant losses.

Last week, Bollinger received approval from the U.S. Coast Guard to commence full production activities on the PSC program, underscoring the government’s confidence in their ability to deliver the first heavy polar icebreaker in nearly fifty years. Bordelon reiterated the importance of building vessels for U.S. service members domestically, stating, “The United Shipbuilding Alliance is proof that American industry can and will deliver faster, better, and more cost-effectively.”

The formation of the United Shipbuilding Alliance signals a pivotal moment in enhancing America’s Arctic operational capabilities. By emphasizing innovation and efficiency, the partnership aims to streamline vessel procurement processes, ultimately benefiting both government needs and taxpayers. As the U.S. government seeks to strengthen its presence in the Arctic, the USA is poised to play a crucial role in meeting these strategic demands.