Canadian Seaspan Yard Signs Deal For Arctic Security Cutters, Joining US and Finnish Builders The push for new U.S. icebreakers continues to take shape. Canadian builder Seaspan has now joined the effort by providing its Multi-Purpose Icebreaker design and associated supply chain to American and Finnish shipyards to build six icebreakers. Construction is expected to start in 2026 with initial deliveries by 2028.
U.S. Signs Contracts With Foreign and Domestic Builders to Finally Launch Long-Delayed Icebreaker Fleet Overhaul The United States Coast Guard has signed contracts with Finland’s Rauma Marine Constructions and Louisiana’s Bollinger Shipyards to build six Arctic Security Cutter icebreakers, marking the culmination of a decades-long effort to modernize its aging icebreaker fleet. Two ships will be built in Finland for delivery in 2028. Four more vessels will follow in the United States, with the first domestic cutter due in 2029.
U.S. Icebreaker Healy Wraps up Four-Month Patrol of Arctic, Countering Growing Chinese Presence U.S. Coast Guard icebreakersHealyandStorisconducted 129-day and 112-day Arctic deployments this summer. A substantial presence increase over previous summers. Both vessels monitored growing vessel activity in the region with five Chinese research vessels operating in the waters around Alaska.
U.S. Coast Guard to Receive 11 New Icebreakers Under Landmark Finland Deal The U.S. Coast Guard appears set to operate one of the most capable polar icebreaker fleets within a few short years. The service will receive 11 medium Arctic Security Cutter vessels under a U.S.-Finland deal unveiled by the White House last Friday. The first five vessels could be delivered by the end of 2028.
U.S. Coast Guard’s New Icebreaker ’Storis’ Departs on Maiden Voyage Bolstering Presence in Arctic The U.S. Coast Guard has taken a first key step in strengthening its Arctic posture. IcebreakerStorisis joining the USCG fleet after a six months conversion process to turn the commercial ice-capable supply vessel into an icebreaker. The vessel will be a key interim asset while the U.S. awaits construction of the new heavy polar icebreaker.
U.S. Coast Guard Starts Construction of First New Heavy Icebreaker in 50 Years A decade in the making the U.S. Coast Guard is set to finally begin work on its first heavy icebreaker in 50 years. Construction is expected to take a minimum of five years, though additional delays could push delivery in the 2030s.
U.S. Polar Icebreaker Faces New Delays and Cost Overruns Report Says The U.S. Polar Security Cutter program continues to face headwinds. Five years after signing a construction contract the vessel continues to exist only on the drawing board with the design still waiting to be finalized. Delivery will now occur no earlier than 2029.
Coast Guard Icebreaker Healy Reaches North Pole As Part of Greater US Arctic Engagement The Arctic continues to gain greater attention in US policy circles and it sent the icebreakerHealyto patrol its maritime border with Russia and venture to the North Pole this summer. However, hard assets, such as icebreakers, remain in short supply for now.
U.S. Steps Up Arctic Engagement as Congress Authorizes Three Additional Polar Icebreakers In a bipartisan effort the U.S. Congress has passed legislation that will substantially upgrade the Coast Guard’s capabilities, including in the Arctic with three additional Polar Security Cutters.
U.S. Cancels All Arctic Operations After Icebreaker Healy Suffers Engine Fire The U.S. Coast Guard has canceled its Arctic patrol mission after the icebreakerHealyexperienced an engine room fire. This leaves the U.S. without surface vessel presence in the region during the summer of 2020, highlighting the country’s limited icebreaking capabilities.
U.S. Military to Cooperate with SpaceX to Overcome Arctic Communication Blackout The United States Northern Command is looking to use commercial satellite constellations, like Tesla founder Elon Musk's SpaceX’s Starlink, to improve its communication capabilities in the Arctic.
U.S. Coast Guard Awards Contract for New Polar Class Icebreaker The U.S. Coast Guard finally looks set to procure a new heavy icebreaker. But the first roadblocks, including questions about a low-price offer and lack of technical know-how, appear on the horizon.
IMO Approves New Shipping Corridors in Bering Sea to Improve Safety The International Maritime Organization, part of the United Nations, approved a joint proposal by the United States and Russia to establish two-way shipping lanes across the Bering Sea and into the Arctic Ocean.
