The US Coast Guard (USCG) has awarded two contracts to build up to six Arctic Security Cutter (ASC) icebreakers — ships designed to break through and navigate ice-covered waters. The vessels will be built by Rauma Marine Constructions Oy of Rauma, Finland, and Bollinger Shipyards Lockport of Lockport, Louisiana.
The contracts are the result of international agreements with Finland. The ASC programme emphasises schedule certainty, low technical risk, and the use of a mature, production-ready design to meet the Coast Guard’s urgent operational requirements. The ASC is a new class of USCG medium polar icebreakers capable of continuous icebreaking in heavy Arctic conditions, extended independent operations without resupply, and long-range deployment in the Arctic.
The Arctic Security Cutters are to increase safety in the Arctic region, secure critical shipping lanes and protect energy and mineral resources. They will enable the Coast Guard to control, secure and defend US Alaskan borders, facilitate maritime commerce vital to economic prosperity and strategic mobility, and respond to crises and contingencies in the region.
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Crucial for security
Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem: ‘Revitalising the US Coast Guard’s icebreaking capabilities is crucial for our security and prosperity.’
‘These awards represent decisive action to guarantee American security in the Arctic,’ adds Adm. Kevin E. Lunday, acting commandant of the Coast Guard. ‘The Arctic Security Cutters will deliver the essential capability to uphold US 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 – without question.’
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Two in Finland, four in the US
The contract with Rauma Marine Constructions (RMC) includes up to two ASCs to be built in Finland, with delivery of the first vessel expected in 2028. Construction in Finland will begin immediately. The Arctic Security Cutters are based on the proven Multi-Purpose Icebreaker (MPI) design developed by Seaspan Shipyards in collaboration with Aker Arctic Technology.
The contract with Bollinger Shipyards Lockport includes up to four ASCs to be built in the United States, with delivery of the first domestically built cutter expected in 2029. This plan is designed to take immediate advantage of Finnish icebreaker expertise while coordinating the on-shoring of that expertise in the United States in the long run.
Acquisition of ASCs continues the organisation’s modernisation through Force Design 2028, an initiative introduced by Secretary Noem to transform the Coast Guard into a more agile, capable and responsive fighting force.
Picture: The ASC is a new class of USCG medium polar icebreakers (image by Rauma Marine Constructions).
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