Posted on January 5, 2026
The US Coast Guard has contracted Louisiana-based Bollinger Shipyards and Rauma Marine Constructions in Finland for the construction of six Arctic Security Cutters (ASC).
Washington’s ASC initiative is an offshoot of the Polar Security Cutter (PSC) program, which aims to replace the 1970s-era icebreaker ships deployed to the Arctic, Antarctic, and similar regions by 2030.
Each cutter under the effort will be built as medium versions of the 460-foot (140-meter) PSC platforms and will focus on deployments across the Arctic region only.
First Ship in 2028
According to the latest agreements, Bollinger will oversee the development of four ASCs, while Rauma will lead on the remaining vessels.
Bollinger’s ships will be assembled in Houma, with works to be supported by multiple centers across the Gulf Coast. The first ASC from the company is expected by 2029.
Simultaneously, Rauma will produce its cutters in Satalunta in western Finland, with delivery scheduled a year earlier.
The ASC effort aims to manufacture up to 11 cutters.
‘Decisive Action’
The US Coast Guard described the ASC adoption as a “decisive action” to safeguard American sovereignty against escalating economic and military threats in the Arctic.
It emphasized that the initiative is crucial for ensuring the unchallenged control and defense of the northern US border and the nation’s maritime operations.
“America has been an Arctic nation for over 150 years, and we’re finally acting like it under President [Donald] Trump,” Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem commented on the ASC project.
“Our adversaries continue to look to grow their presence in the Arctic. Equipping the Coast Guard with Arctic Security Cutters will help reassert American maritime dominance there. Revitalizing the US Coast Guard’s icebreaking capabilities is crucial for our security and prosperity, and today’s announcement is an important step in that direction.”
