Bollinger Shipyards and Edison Chouest Offshore Launch United Shipbuilding

In a significant move to enhance U.S. Arctic capabilities, Bollinger Shipyards and Edison Chouest Offshore (ECO) have formed the United Shipbuilding Alliance (USA). This strategic partnership aims to streamline the design and construction of advanced icebreakers, responding to the urgent needs outlined by the U.S. Coast Guard. The alliance promises a 33-month timeline from contract award to delivery, leveraging commercial vessel construction methods to optimize efficiency and reduce costs.

Streamlined Approach to Arctic Security

The United Shipbuilding Alliance is poised to revolutionize how the U.S. addresses its Arctic operational requirements. By utilizing the combined resources of Bollinger Shipyards and ECO, the partnership aims to deliver next-generation icebreakers that meet national security needs. The recent response to the U.S. Coast Guard’s Request for Information (RFI) highlights a commitment to a 33-month acquisition process, which is significantly faster than traditional government procurement methods.

This innovative approach has been validated by the successful delivery of the USCGC STORIS, an icebreaker designed for Arctic conditions, which was completed in under three years. The USA’s strategy is expected to save taxpayers over 40% by minimizing bureaucratic delays and optimizing labor resources across its 19 shipyards and 14 fabrication facilities located in Louisiana, Mississippi, and Florida. This flexibility allows for agile project execution, ensuring that timelines are met and costs are controlled.

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Ben Bordelon, President and CEO of Bollinger Shipyards, emphasized the importance of American industry in meeting national security demands. He stated, “If the mission demands speed, efficiency, and innovation, the answer is clear, let American industry lead.” The partnership not only aims to fulfill immediate operational needs but also to bolster the U.S. maritime industry’s competitive edge in the Arctic region.

Commitment to National Security and Efficiency

The formation of the United Shipbuilding Alliance reflects a broader commitment to enhancing U.S. national security capabilities in the Arctic. Gary Chouest, President and CEO of ECO, noted that the collaboration signifies a dedicated effort to maintain a strategic advantage in maritime operations. The alliance combines over 144 years of expertise and a workforce of more than 6,000 skilled workers, ensuring that the U.S. can rapidly design and deliver essential icebreaking vessels.

In addition to the icebreaker program, Bollinger Shipyards is currently working on the Polar Security Cutter (PSC) program, which aims to deliver the first heavy polar icebreaker to the U.S. Coast Guard in nearly fifty years. This initiative underscores the U.S. government’s recognition of the need to strengthen Arctic operational capabilities. The USA’s approach emphasizes innovation, fiscal responsibility, and efficiency, ensuring that the U.S. remains at the forefront of maritime security in an increasingly strategic Arctic environment.

As the United Shipbuilding Alliance moves forward, it aims to provide the U.S. with the necessary tools to lead in Arctic operations, aligning commercial innovation with national security priorities. This partnership marks a pivotal moment for American shipbuilding, promising to deliver faster, better, and more cost-effective solutions for the nation’s maritime needs.