Bollinger Shipyards receives green light to start construction activities on

Bollinger Shipyards has received the green light from the U.S. Coast Guard to commence full production of the Polar Security Cutter (PSC) program. This significant milestone follows a recent $951.6 million contract modification aimed at advancing the detailed design and construction of the PSC. The program is poised to bolster U.S. capabilities in polar regions, which are vital for national security and economic interests. The first PSC is expected to be completed by May 2030.

Significance of the Polar Security Cutter Program

The approval for full production of the Polar Security Cutter marks a crucial step in the U.S. Coast Guard’s efforts to modernize its polar icebreaker fleet. This initiative is essential for maintaining access to polar regions, which are increasingly important for national security, economic stability, and maritime operations. The PSC program aims to deliver the first heavy polar icebreaker to the U.S. in nearly fifty years, a development that underscores the government’s confidence in Bollinger Shipyards.

Ben Bordelon, President and CEO of Bollinger Shipyards, expressed pride in the team’s efforts, stating, “Securing the green light for full production underscores the confidence the U.S. Government places in Bollinger to deliver the nation’s first heavy polar icebreaker in nearly fifty years.” The PSC is designed to enhance the operational capabilities of the U.S. Coast Guard in challenging polar environments, ensuring that the nation can effectively respond to various needs in these critical areas.

The current operational polar fleet includes the heavy icebreaker Polar Star, commissioned in 1976, and the medium icebreaker Healy, commissioned in 2000. These vessels are equipped for open-water icebreaking and feature reinforced hulls and specially angled bows to navigate through ice-laden waters. The Coast Guard is also undertaking a service life extension program for the Polar Star, which is currently undergoing maintenance at Mare Island Dry Dock in California.

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Future of U.S. Polar Operations

The Polar Security Cutter program is a vital component of the U.S. Coast Guard’s strategy to ensure continued access to polar regions. As global interest in these areas grows, the need for reliable icebreakers becomes increasingly urgent. The PSC will play a key role in supporting the U.S. government’s economic, commercial, and national security objectives in the Arctic and Antarctic.

This year, the Polar Star completed its 28th voyage to Antarctica, contributing to the resupply and maintenance of U.S. Antarctic stations. As the Coast Guard prepares to enhance its polar capabilities, the PSC program represents a significant investment in the future of U.S. operations in these critical regions. With the first cutter expected to be operational by 2030, the U.S. is taking decisive steps to secure its interests in the polar domains.