Bollinger Receives Polar Security Cutter Contract Modification

Bollinger Shipyards announced March 25 receipt of a $951.6 million fixed-price-incentive-firm-target (FPIF) contract modification from the U.S. Coast Guard. The contract will aid in advancing the detail design and construction phase of Bollinger’s Polar Security Cutter (PSC) Program, solidifying Bollinger’s maritime and operational presence in the Arctic.

“Securing this contract modification has truly been a herculean effort and underscores the incredible trust the U.S. government has placed in Bollinger to build and deliver the first heavy polar icebreaker in half a century,” said Ben Bordelon, president and CEO of Bollinger Shipyards. “We wouldn’t be in the solid position we’re in today without the leadership and the tireless efforts of the entire team at Bollinger Mississippi Shipbuilding. Their hard work and dedication have successfully put the PSC program on a strong path forward after a rocky start under the previous, foreign-owned builder. We now look forward to receiving the green light to begin full production.”

Bordelon thanked national and state leadership for their support of the program.

“I am also grateful for the leadership of President Trump and his administration in recognizing the urgent need for American-made icebreakers,” he said. “Because of his foresight and commitment to rebuilding America’s shipbuilding capabilities, this historic project is now moving forward. I also want to thank Governor Reeves and Mississippi’s Congressional delegation for their leadership and support, especially as we leverage ongoing state and local investments to ensure Bollinger Mississippi remains the premier example of American shipbuilding.”

Based in Lockport, La., Bollinger Shipyards designs and builds high-performance military patrol boats, salvage vessels, research vessels and other specialized maritime assets. Bollinger has invested $76 million across its Mississippi facilities, including Bollinger Mississippi Shipbuilding (BMS), Bollinger Mississippi Repair (BMR), Bollinger Gulfport Shipyard (BGS), and CHAND Gulf Coast.

Bollinger acquired VT Halter in November 2022 after already holding the position as the largest privately owned shipyard in the United States. Since then, Bollinger has increased its Mississippi workforce by more than 61 percent and is expected to keep growing. The company’s Bootcamp workforce development programs, which educate current and future workers in the industry, has been a major contributor to this growth.

The contract modification primarily supports operations at Bollinger Mississippi Shipbuilding, as well as contributions from third party facilities.

The first Polar Security Cutter is projected to be completed in May 2030.