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The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, in support of the Coast Guard’s waterfront recapitalization efforts in Juneau, Alaska, is holding an industry engagement event June 3, 2026, at Coast Guard Station Juneau. Information and registration instructions for vendors interested in participating are available here. The deadline to register is May 27.

Arctic Security Cutter

 

A rendering of a multi-purpose platform support (MPPS) icebreaker A rendering of a multi-purpose icebreaker (MPI)
MPPS: notional rendering courtesy of Davie Defense. MSI: notional rendering courtesy of Bollinger Shipyards Lockport/Rauma Marine Constructions Oy

 

Why this program?

The United States holds vital national interests in the Arctic. The Coast Guard operates and maintains the nation’s only fleet of polar icebreakers, which are uniquely capable, multi-mission vessels essential to securing the U.S. northern border in Alaska and maritime approaches throughout the Arctic to advance U.S. national security objectives. Icebreakers enable the Coast Guard to conduct its statutory missions in ice-covered waters, just as other cutters do in open seas.  

Arctic security cutters (ASCs) will offer medium icebreaker capacity throughout the Arctic region, addressing an urgent need to expand the nation’s polar-capable fleet.  

Acquisition Strategy

The Coast Guard currently operates three polar icebreakers: one heavy icebreaker commissioned in 1976 and two medium icebreakers commissioned in 2000 and 2025. The Coast Guard plans to build eleven ASCs.  

An October 2025 presidential memorandum highlighted the critical need to expand the nation’s icebreaking fleet and authorized the construction of up to four ASCs abroad, to accelerate delivery of these critical assets. The Coast Guard coordinated with the Department of Homeland Security to implement a strategy that leverages existing icebreaker design and production skills of international partners to meet urgent national security imperatives in the Arctic and develop U.S. shipbuilding capabilities. 

The ASC program is acquiring two ASC variants: a multi-purpose icebreaker (MPI) and a multi-purpose platform support (MPPS) ship. Four ASCs (two of each variant) will be built in Finland, a nation with extensive experience in icebreaker design and production. Follow-on ASCs (four MPIs and three MPPSs) will be constructed in the United States.  

Through this combination of domestic and international shipbuilders, the Coast Guard will deliver these assets to the fleet as quickly as possible while onshoring unique icebreaker design and construction expertise.