U.S. Locks in Final Six Arctic Security Cutters as Bollinger Reveals First Ship Already Under Construction

The United States has finalized contracts worth $3.3 billion for six new Arctic Security Cutters (ASCs), completing the procurement of the Coast Guard’s first major new medium icebreaker fleet in decades as one of the shipbuilders revealed construction on the lead vessel quietly began in April.

The Department of Homeland Security said on Wednesday it finalized a $2.2 billion contract with Bollinger Shipyards for four Polar Class 4 Arctic Security Cutters and a separate $1.1 billion agreement with Finland’s Rauma Marine Constructions for two sister ships. The six vessels are scheduled for delivery by the end of 2031, with the first