The U.S. Coast Guard has finalized two contracts to construct six new icebreaker ships.
The ships, called Artic Security Cutters (ASCs), will be worth a combined $3.3 billion and will expand the Coast Guard’s polar-capable fleet. ASCs are used to protect key shipping lanes, protect energy and mineral resources, and defend Alaskan borders. They will also be used to facilitate maritime commerce and respond to crises in the region, according to the Department of Homeland Security.
Four will be constructed by Bollinger Shipyards Lockport, of Lockport, La., to the value of $2.2 billion. Rauma Marine Constructions Oy of Rauma, Finland, will build the other two at a $1.1 billion clip.
The service currently has three polar icebreakers, one which was commissioned in 1976. Another went live in 2000 and a third in 2025.
“America’s future in the Arctic demands strength, capability and resolve,” DHS Security Markwayne Mullin said in a statement. “I want to thank President Trump for his bold leadership and vision in directing this critical investment that made these icebreakers possible.
“These cutters will deliver the enduring operational capability our nation needs to defend our sovereignty, deter adversaries, and safeguard vital resources for the American people.”
‘Decisive Action to Guarantee American Security’
The contracts, initially awarded in December 2025 before being finalized this month, come as part of the $25 billion awarded to the Coast Guard in the Fiscal Year 2025 budget reconciliation. They also come after President Trump promised to deliver 11 ASCs to the nation’s Arctic fleet.
“Finalizing these contracts represents decisive action to guarantee American security in the Arctic,” Admiral Kevin E. Lunday, commandant of the Coast Guard, said in a statement. “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.”
A Coast Guard 29-foot Response Boat Small crew provides security during America 250 July 4th,2026 in the Potomic in Washington.
This will be Bollinger’s fifth class of cutters built for the USCG, previously delivering over 187 cutters for the service dating over 40 years.
Ben Bordelon, president and CEO of Bollinger Shipyards, said in a statement that the objective is “clear” and revolves around protecting the Arctic, strengthening the U.S. shipbuilding industrial base, and providing taxpayers with the best long-term value.
“We believe the United States cannot afford to lose another decade building its Arctic presence, and we are committed to delivering these vessels with the urgency this mission and our president demands,” Bordelon said.
All six vessels are scheduled to be delivered by 2031, with the first one ready in 2028.
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