The US Coast Guard has awarded two contracts to build up to six Arctic Security Cutters, strengthening its ability to operate in the Arctic and protect US interests in the region.

The contracts were awarded on Friday to Rauma Marine Constructions Oy in Finland and Bollinger Shipyards Lockport, L.L.C. in Louisiana, United States.

The vessels will be icebreakers designed to operate in ice-covered waters and support missions in the Arctic.

According to the Coast Guard, the Arctic Security Cutters will help defend US sovereignty, secure important shipping routes, and protect energy and mineral resources in the Arctic.

The ships will also support border security around Alaska, enable maritime trade that supports economic growth, and improve the Coast Guard’s ability to respond to emergencies and other situations in the region.

US authorities said the contracts are the result of international agreements between the United States and Finland, as well as funding approved under President Donald Trump’s One Big Beautiful Bill Act.

Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem said the United States has been an Arctic nation for more than 150 years and is now taking concrete steps to strengthen its presence there.

She added that improving the Coast Guard’s icebreaking capability is important for both national security and economic interests.

Acting Coast Guard Commandant Admiral Kevin E. Lunday stated that the new cutters will give the service the capability it needs to protect US sovereignty in the Arctic.

He said the vessels will ensure the Coast Guard can control, secure and defend the country’s northern borders and maritime approaches.

Under the agreement with Rauma Marine Constructions Oy, up to two Arctic Security Cutters will be built in Finland, with the first ship expected to be delivered in 2028.

The contract with Bollinger Shipyards includes up to four cutters to be built in the United States, with the first domestically built vessel expected in 2029.

The Coast Guard explained that building ships in both Finland and the United States will allow it to benefit from Finnish expertise in icebreaker construction while gradually developing that capability in American shipyards.

The programme is intended to strengthen long-term US shipbuilding capacity for Arctic operations.

Once delivered, the Arctic Security Cutters are expected to improve the Coast Guard’s ability to operate in the Arctic throughout the year, supporting security, trade and emergency response in the region.

Reference: Reuters