US Coast Guard awards Arctic Security Cutter shipbuilding contracts

USCG Cutter Healy, shown here operating in the Gulf of Alaska, is one of three operational Arctic-capable icebreakers. (Janes/Michael Fabey)

The US Coast Guard (USCG) awarded two contracts on 26 December to US and Finnish companies to build up to six Arctic Security Cutter (ASC) icebreakers – ships designed to break through and navigate ice-covered waters, the USCG confirmed in a release on 29 December.

The USCG awarded contracts to Rauma Marine Constructions Oy of Rauma, Finland, and Bollinger Shipyards Lockport of Lockport, Louisiana, the service said.

According to the USCG, the contract with Rauma Marine Constructions Oy includes up to two ASCs to be built in Finland, with delivery of the first vessel expected in 2028.

The contract with Bollinger Shipyards Lockport includes up to four ASCs to be built in the US, with delivery of the first domestically built cutter expected in 2029, the USCG said.

“This plan is designed to take immediate advantage of our Finnish partner's icebreaker expertise while co-ordinating the onshoring of that expertise in the United States in the long run,” the USCG noted.

Acquisition of ASCs continues the service's modernisation through Force Design 2028.

Admiral Kevin Lunday, USCG acting commandant, said in the 29 December release, “The Arctic Security Cutters will ensure the [US] Coast Guard's ability to control, secure, and defend our northern border and maritime approaches.”

With the USCG getting funding earmarked for significant icebreaker expansion, countries and companies are battling for deals to do the work.