Four shipbuilders from the United States, Canada, and Finland have formed a strategic partnership to pursue the U.S. Coast Guard’s Arctic Security Cutter program. The participating shipyards are Bollinger Shipyards of Louisiana, Seaspan located in North Vancouver and Victoria, Canada, as well as Finnish firms Rauma Shipyards and Aker Arctic. This collaboration aims to enhance the United States’ icebreaking capabilities in the Arctic region.
The Arctic Security Cutter is a medium-sized icebreaker designed to complement the Coast Guard’s largest class of vessels, the Polar Security Cutter. In a joint statement, the shipyards emphasized their combined expertise, noting that they represent “the world’s premier icebreaker shipbuilding companies.” The partnership is positioned within the framework of the trilateral ICE Pact between the United States, Canada, and Finland, responding to a directive from former President Donald Trump to modernize the U.S. icebreaking fleet.
Delivery of the first vessel is expected within 36 months of the contract award, aligning with the “America First” initiative. Earlier this year, the U.S. Coast Guard engaged with various shipbuilders, seeking input on the design and production of this new class of icebreaker. The proposed vessel, named the “Seaspan-Aker Multi-Purpose Icebreaker,” is said to meet all specifications outlined for the Arctic Security Cutter.
The shipbuilders claim the design can break through four feet of ice, travel 12,000 nautical miles, and sustain operations for over 60 days. This capability is tailored to address the evolving mission requirements of the U.S. Coast Guard in some of the harshest environments on earth. The design also features a shared multi-mission capability with the Canadian Coast Guard, aiming to create the world’s largest class of icebreaking vessels, which would enhance interoperability and maintenance efficiencies.
Bollinger Shipyards and Seaspan already have contracts for separate icebreaker projects in their respective countries. Rauma Shipyards and Aker Arctic are recognized leaders in ship design and construction in Finland, a country renowned for its expertise in icebreaker production.
Ben Bordelon, president and CEO of Bollinger Shipyards, stressed the importance of a mature and construction-ready design, stating, “Speculative designs can derail programs, delay delivery and devastate shipyards. The Seaspan-Aker MPI design is the most mature, construction-ready design available, and we’re bringing proven capability, hard-earned lessons, and unmatched U.S. capacity to get it built.”
Earlier this year, Bollinger announced another partnership with Edison Chouest Offshore, establishing the “United Shipbuilding Alliance.” This collaboration aims to provide a comprehensive solution for the expedited design, construction, and delivery of next-generation icebreakers, addressing urgent operational needs in the Arctic.
In response to the U.S. Coast Guard’s April 11 Request for Information titled “Arctic Security Cutter (ASC): Icebreaking Capable Vessels or Vessel Designs that are Ready for Construction,” the partnership outlined a plan that utilizes commercial vessels for national security purposes, with an acquisition process designed to last 33 months from contract award to delivery.
The establishment of this partnership marks a significant step toward strengthening the U.S. presence and operational capabilities in the Arctic, ensuring that the Coast Guard is equipped to meet the challenges of this vital and increasingly strategic region.