Coast Guard awards nearly $1B contract mod to Bollinger for heavy icebreaker
Coast Guard heavy icebreaker Polar Star at McMurdo research station in Anarctica. (Source: https://breakingdefense.com/
In a significant move to bolster its capabilities in the Arctic, the U.S. Coast Guard has awarded Bollinger Shipyards a $951 million contract modification. This funding will support the detailed design and construction of the Polar Security Cutter (PSC) program, which aims to deliver four to five new heavy icebreakers. The lead ship is expected to be the first American-made heavy icebreaker in decades, enhancing the Pentagon’s operational capacity in the High North.
Progress on the Polar Security Cutter Program
The Polar Security Cutter program has been a top priority for the Coast Guard, addressing a critical gap in the U.S. icebreaker fleet. The program was initially announced over a decade ago but faced multiple delays. In 2022, Bollinger Shipyards took over the project after acquiring the previous contractor, VT Halter, which had been under foreign ownership. Ben Bordelon, president and CEO of Bollinger Shipyards, expressed pride in securing the contract modification, emphasizing the trust placed in the company by the U.S. government. He noted the hard work of the Bollinger Mississippi Shipbuilding team, which has put the PSC program on a promising path after its rocky beginnings.
A spokesperson for the Coast Guard confirmed that the contract modification, effective March 25, 2025, establishes a new cost and schedule for the first Polar Security Cutter. This milestone is crucial for enhancing the nation’s maritime and national security capabilities in polar regions. The first ship is now scheduled for delivery in May 2030, although the estimated cost of approximately $1.3 billion may rise due to the complexities involved in building a heavy icebreaker.
Strategic Implications and Global Context
The urgency of the PSC program is underscored by increasing competition in the Arctic, particularly from Russia, which boasts the largest fleet of icebreakers globally. Recent reports indicate that Russia is advancing its own icebreaker construction, with the completion of several nuclear-powered vessels. This development raises questions about the U.S. strategy in the region, especially as President Trump has called for a substantial increase in the U.S. icebreaker fleet, suggesting a need for about 40 new vessels. However, the feasibility of such an expansion remains uncertain, given budgetary constraints and existing national priorities.
National Security Council spokesperson Brian Hughes highlighted the administration’s commitment to revitalizing America’s maritime and shipbuilding industries, signaling a serious intent to maintain a strong presence in the Arctic. As the U.S. moves forward with the Polar Security Cutter program, the geopolitical landscape in the Arctic continues to evolve, necessitating a robust response to ensure national security and economic interests in the region.
