Bollinger Cuts Steel on Prototype Module for First Polar Security Cutter
Bollinger Shipyards this week announced it has begun cutting steel at Bollinger Mississippi Shipbuilding in Pascagoula, Miss. on the first of eight prototype modules that will become the foundation of the first U.S. Coast Guard Polar Security Cutter (PSC), USCGC Polar Sentinel (PSC-1)—the first heavy icebreaker to be built in the United States in 50 years.
"Today marks a significant step for both Bollinger Shipyards and the United States,” said Ben Bordelon, President and CEO of Bollinger Shipyards. “After over 50 years, we're back to building heavy icebreakers. We're honored that responsibility lies with Bollinger. Beginning work on the first Prototype Fabrication Assembly Unit is an important step closer toward commencing construction on the first Polar Security Cutter. This isn't just an important milestone for our company, it's also an important step for our national defense. Simply put, the United States is back in the icebreaker business."
The hull of a heavy polar icebreaker is required to be much thicker than other Coast Guard cutters because of the pressure exerted on the ship by the surrounding ice. Therefore, before the full construction process on the PSC program begins, the prototype modules test the new systems, processes, people, and tools that are required to work with the specialized steel. The lessons learned from building the prototype module will be used to help ensure design completeness and improve the quality and efficiency of the manufacturing process.
“We’re relearning how to build this type of ship,” said PSC program manager Capt. Eric Drey. “It’s the first heavy icebreaker built by our nation in 50 years. It’s not just a big day for the Coast Guard, but a big day for the nation.”
Each module requires approximately four months of labor, during which time Bollinger will continue recruiting and training additional members of the workforce to manage the transition to production of the lead hull as the prototype modules are completed, the shipbuilder said.
The PSC program will recapitalize the U.S. Coast Guard's aging fleet of icebreakers, currently consisting of the heavy icebreaker USCGC Polar Star (commissioned in 1976) and the medium icebreaker USCGC Healy (commissioned in 1999), with three new multi-mission vessels.
The PSC program is managed by the USCG and U.S. Navy through an integrated program office. In April 2019, Halter Marine—since acquired by Bollinger—was awarded the contract for the detail design and construction of the lead PSC. The contract option for the second PSC was exercised in December 2021. The first vessel is expected to enter service in mid-to-late-2020s and will be named USCGC Polar Sentinel.