West 2026: New Arctic Security Cutters to jump-start new US shipyards and strengthen northern flank defence

Healy , one of the three current US icebreakers available for polar missions, is shown here in Alaska. The US Coast Guard is augmenting its icebreaker fleet. (Janes/Michael Fabey)

The new US Coast Guard (USCG) Arctic Security Cutters (ASCs) will support the creation of two new domestic shipyards and bolster the service's defence of the US High North, according to USCG officials.

While the first four ASC icebreakers are to be built in Finland, work on the remaining cutters will be done in two new shipyards – one in Louisiana and another in Florida, Rear Admiral Chad Jacoby, USCG deputy commandant for Systems (DCS), said on 12 February during a panel discussion at the West 2026 conference in San Diego, California.

The ASC shipbuilding plan submitted to President Donald Trump for an 18 cutter acquisition underscored the planned construction of 14 ships to be built in US shipyards, Rear Adm Jacoby said.

“It would result in two new shipyards that don't build ships and increase the domestic base,” he said. “We are adding in areas with workforce that is not in the [American] Gulf region of shipyards.”

The two new shipyards would be able to compete later for additional USCG shipbuilding contracts, he added.

The USCG awarded two contracts on 26 December 2025 to US and Finnish companies to build up to six ASCs, the service confirmed in a release on 29 December.

The USCG awarded contracts to Rauma Marine Constructions Oy of Rauma, Finland, and Bollinger Shipyards 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.