In Los Angeles, President Donald Trump’s significant tax and spending legislation includes over $8.6 billion to bolster the U.S. Coast Guard’s icebreaker fleet in the Arctic region. This effort aims to counter the increasing influence of Russia and China in the area. The funding comprises $4.3 billion for up to three heavy Coast Guard Polar Security Cutters, $3.5 billion for medium Arctic Security Cutters, and $816 million for the procurement of additional light and medium icebreaking vessels. These cutters are designed with reinforced hulls and specially shaped bows for efficient open-water icebreaking. The current Coast Guard fleet only consists of three icebreakers, while the desired number is between eight to nine.
President Trump has been emphasizing the revitalization of U.S. shipbuilding to challenge China’s growing dominance in maritime manufacturing and naval capabilities. He has also proposed imposing fees and tariffs on Chinese ships and port equipment to support this initiative. As the effects of climate change reduce polar ice, the Arctic sea routes are gaining importance as trade links between the Pacific and Atlantic Oceans to major economies.
To address the strategic importance of the Arctic region, the U.S., Canada, and Finland have formed a trilateral partnership known as the “ICE Pact.” This partnership aims to construct a fleet of 70 to 90 icebreaking ships over the next decade to exert influence in the polar region and uphold international agreements. President Trump has advocated for acquiring up to 40 new icebreakers to enhance national security and support potential oil, gas, and mineral exploration in the Arctic.
Russia currently leads in icebreaker fleet size with 57 vessels, while China is expanding its fleet. The cooperation between China and Russia in the Arctic has raised concerns in the U.S. The potential builders for the new U.S. icebreakers include Davie Shipbuilding in Quebec, Keppel Amfels in Singapore, and U.S.-based shipbuilders like Bollinger Shipyards and Edison Chouest Offshore.
The Coast Guard has approved Bollinger Shipyards in Louisiana to commence the construction of the first ship in the Polar Security Cutter Program. This program faced delays and cost overruns, with estimated costs exceeding initial projections. Shipyards in Canada or Finland are also being considered for building the new icebreakers.
According to U.S. Naval Institute News, purchasing ships from a foreign yard would need a presidential waiver for the U.S. Coast Guard. The Coast Guard recently acquired its first polar icebreaker in 25 years, the modified Coast Guard Cutter Storis, built by Edison Chouest Offshore’s North American Shipbuilding in 2012. It set sail in June and will be based in Juneau, Alaska. The polar fleet also includes the heavy icebreaker Polar Star measuring 399 feet, and the medium icebreaker Healy measuring 420 feet. Additional reporting by Lisa Baertlein in Los Angeles, Timothy Gardner, and Valerie Volcovici in Washington; Edited by Bill Berkrot and Nick Zieminski.
