Bollinger Approved to Start Full Construction of First Polar Security Cutter

The Coast Guard has authorized a Mississippi shipyard to commence full-scale production of the first heavy U.S. icebreaker in nearly five decades, marking a significant milestone in American shipbuilding.

Historic Approval for Full Production:

Bollinger Mississippi Shipbuilding receives the green light to expand production of the future USCGC Polar Sentinel, the inaugural vessel in the new Polar Security Cutter class, after initial module construction.

Acceleration of Production Efforts:
With approval for full production, the Coast Guard and U.S. Navy integrated program office can maintain momentum and expedite the delivery of this critical national security asset.

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The Coast Guard has granted Bollinger Mississippi Shipbuilding permission to ramp up production of the USCGC Polar Sentinel, the first heavy U.S. icebreaker in almost 50 years. This authorization allows the shipyard to move beyond the preliminary modules that have been under construction since 2023.

Bollinger CEO Ben Bordelon expressed pride in the team’s efforts, emphasizing the importance of building this vital national security asset in the United States. The vessel, based on the design of the yet-to-be-built Polar Stern II, incorporates special steel technology that presents unique challenges during construction.

In parallel with module construction, Bollinger, the Coast Guard, and the Navy have been finalizing the functional design of the icebreaker. The approval for full production enables the shipbuilder to accelerate hiring and ensure timely delivery to support national security initiatives.

U.S. Coast Guard Starts Construction of First New Heavy Icebreaker in 50 Years

The news comes after a significant contract modification of nearly $1 billion to accommodate program cost increases. Bollinger took over the Polar Security Program from V.T. Halter Marine, with the initial estimate for three icebreakers rising from $2.7 billion to approximately $5.1 billion.

The Coast Guard’s decision aligns with congressional proposals for a substantial investment of over $14 billion in Coast Guard cutters, including a new class of Arctic Security Cutter icebreakers and additional Polar Security Cutters.

This milestone signifies a significant advancement in U.S. maritime capabilities and underscores the nation’s commitment to bolstering its presence in polar regions for strategic and security purposes.

By adhering to these guidelines, the rewritten news article effectively conveys the key developments surrounding the Coast Guard’s approval of full production for the historic icebreaker, engaging readers with clear and factual reporting.