Bollinger lands nearly US$1Bn for US heavy icebreaker newbuild programme

Bollinger Shipyards president and chief executive, Ben Bordelon said securing the fixed-price-incentive-firm target contract modification took “a herculean effort and underscores the incredible trust the US Government has placed in Bollinger to build and deliver the first heavy polar icebreaker in half a century.” Added Mr Bordelon, “We now look forward to receiving the green light to begin full production.”

When that green light does come, the 140-m, 23,300-gt Polar Security Cutters will be built at Bollinger Shipyards Mississippi (BMS), Pascagoula, Mississippi. Completion of the first Polar Security Cutter is anticipated by May 2030. Plans call for three Polar Class 2 heavy icebreakers to be built under the programme.

Following its acquisition of VT Halter Marine in November 2022, Bollinger Shipyards has made a significant economic impact in the state through targeted investments and workforce expansion. To date, Bollinger has invested US$76M across its Mississippi facilities, including BMS, Bollinger Mississippi Repair, Bollinger Gulfport Shipyard, and CHAND Gulf Coast.

The success of the PSC Program will be vital to enhancing the United States’ operational capabilities in the Arctic region as vital to its national security and commercial interests.

“As the Arctic grows as an arena of great power competition, the United States will require far more icebreaking capability from the US Coast Guard to defend our interests in the region,” said Senator Roger Wicker (R-Mississippi), Chairman of the Senate Armed Services Committee.

President Trump would like to see the US build a lot more icebreakers based on his remarks during Hurricane Helene recovery briefing just days after being sworn in for his second term. “We’re going to order about 40 Coast Guard big icebreakers. Big ones,” said the President.

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