The U.S. Coast Guard recently awarded two contracts for the construction of up to six Arctic Security Cutter (ASC) icebreakers.
The first contract is with Louisiana-based Bollinger Shipyards Lockport. It includes up to four ASCs to be built in the United States with delivery expected to begin in 2029.
The second contract is with Finland-based Rauma Marine Constructions Oy. It includes up to two ASCs to be built in Finland with delivery expected to begin in 2028.
“These awards represent decisive action to guarantee American security in the Arctic,” Adm. Kevin E. Lunday, Coast Guard acting commandant, said. “The Arctic Security Cutters will deliver the essential capability to uphold U.S. sovereignty against adversaries’ aggressive economic and military actions in the Arctic. These cutters will ensure the Coast Guard’s ability to control, secure, and defend our northern border and maritime approaches – without question.”
ASCs are ships designed to break through and navigate ice-covered waters. They are used to control, secure and defend U.S. Alaskan borders; counter adversaries’ presence in the Arctic region; secure critical shipping lanes; protect energy and mineral resources; and facilitate maritime commerce vital to economic prosperity and strategic mobility.
The contracts are part of a plan designed to take advantage of Finnish icebreaker expertise while coordinating the on-shoring icebreaker expertise in the United States.