US shipbuilder Bollinger Shipyards has received approval from the U.S. Coast Guard to begin full production activities on the U.S. Coast Guard Polar Security Cutter (PSC) program.
This milestone builds upon Bollinger’s recent award of a $951.6 million fixed-price incentive firm target (FPIF) contract modification, advancing the detailed design and construction phase of the PSC program. The program is expected to enhance U.S. operational capability in polar regions, critical for safeguarding national security, economic stability, and maritime interests.
Completion of the first PSC is anticipated by May 2030.
“Securing the green light for full production underscores the confidence the U.S. Government places in Bollinger to deliver the nation’s first heavy polar icebreaker in nearly fifty years. Our team at Bollinger Mississippi Shipbuilding has worked tirelessly to put the PSC program on a solid path forward, ensuring this vital national security asset will be built by American hands,” Ben Bordelon , President and CEO of Bollinger Shipyards, said.
The US Coast Guard is recapitalizing its polar icebreaker fleet to ensure continued access to both polar regions and support the country’s economic, commercial, maritime and national security needs.
The operational polar fleet currently includes one 121.6-meter heavy icebreaker (Coast Guard cutter Polar Star, commissioned in 1976) and one 128-meter medium icebreaker (Coast Guard cutter Healy, commissioned in 2000). These cutters are designed for open-water icebreaking and feature reinforced hulls and specially angled bows.
Last month, the USCG initiated the final of five planned phases of the service life extension program (SLEP) for the cutter Polar Star. The vessel arrived at Mare Island Dry Dock in Vallejo, California, on March 30 to begin the remaining SLEP activities; the work is part of the In-Service Vessel Sustainment (ISVS) Program.
This year’s deployment marked Polar Star’s 28th voyage to Antarctica in support of the joint military service mission to resupply and maintain the United States Antarctic Stations.