The U.S. Coast Guard announced the award of two contracts to construct up to six Arctic Security Cutters (ASC) icebreakers as part of a security initiative. Contracts were awarded to Rauma Marine Constructions Oy of Rauma, Finland, and Bollinger Shipyards Lockport, L.L.C. of Lockport, Louisiana.
The first vessel, constructed by Rauma Marine Constructions Oy, is expected to be completed by 2028, while the first vessel from Bollinger Shipyards Lockport is expected to be completed by 2029. Upon the vessels’ completion, the Coast Guard will be able to “control, secure, and defend U.S. Alaskan borders, facilitate maritime commerce vital to economic prosperity and strategic mobility, and respond to crises and contingencies in the region,” the USCG stated.
“America has been an Arctic nation for over 150 years, and we’re finally acting like it under President Trump. Our adversaries continue to look to grow their presence in the Arctic, equipping the Coast Guard with Arctic Security Cutters will help reassert American maritime dominance there,” said Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem. “Revitalizing the U.S. Coast Guard’s icebreaking capabilities is crucial for our security and prosperity, and today’s announcement is an important step in that direction.”
The projects build upon President Trump’s October agreement with Finnish President Alexander Stubb, when the two leaders struck a deal for the support of commercial arrangements in the Arctic region.
President Trump issued a memorandum on October 8 calling for the construction of Arctic security cutters. “The United States faces an urgent and growing threat in the Arctic region posed by strategic competition, aggressive military posturing, and economic encroachment by foreign adversaries,” the memo read. “These actions undermine United States sovereignty; jeopardize critical shipping lanes; and threaten energy, mineral, and national defense interests.”
