Long-delayed polar icebreaker programme gets cash and impetus boost
The Healy icebreaker ran into problems last year. (Photo: US Coast Guard)
The US Government has awarded a significant contract to move along its Polar Security Cutter programme.
The US Coast Guard’s Polar Security Cutter (PSC) programme has been revitalised by the award of a US$951 million contract modification to Bollinger Shipyards in Mississippi for the detail, design and construction phase of new icebreaker vessels.
The programme, for which contracts were originally awarded to VT Halter Marine (a US subsidiary of Singapore-based ST Shipbuilding) in 2019 and 2021 for two initial vessels, has subsequently accumulated extensive delays and rising costs.
An initial vessel was due to be deployed by 2024, but among other elements, the sale of VT Halter Marine to Bollinger Shipyards in 2022 slowed and complicated
Our news & analysis is now part of Defence Insight®
A Basic-level or higher Defence Insight subscription is now required to view this content.
More from Naval Warfare
-
![US Navy expands non-standard acquisitions to rapidly field emerging technologies]()
US Navy expands non-standard acquisitions to rapidly field emerging technologies
The US Navy is increasing the use of OTA obligations to accelerate the procurement of seabed-subsea, littoral, expeditionary and uncrewed solutions.
-
![Eurosatory 2026: Red Cat eyes South American market for USV-led EEZ surveillance]()
Eurosatory 2026: Red Cat eyes South American market for USV-led EEZ surveillance
Success with the US Army’s Black Widow programme may have strengthened Red Cat’s international position, but executives believe the next growth opportunity lies in uncrewed surface vessels.
-
![How Canada plans to use the River-class programme to revitalise its defence industry]()
How Canada plans to use the River-class programme to revitalise its defence industry
The Canadian DND estimates that the construction of destroyers will annually inject C$720 million (US$515 million) into the country’s GDP.
