Seaspan Shipyards has signed agreements with Bollinger Shipyards and Finland’s Rauma Marine Constructions to supply its Multi-Purpose Icebreaker (MPI) design and associated supply chain packages for the U.S. Coast Guard’s Arctic Security Cutter (ASC) programme.
The arrangements support the construction of up to six new icebreakers for the Coast Guard.
Under contracts announced by the U.S. Coast Guard, Rauma is expected to build up to two vessels in Finland, with delivery planned for 2028. Bollinger will construct up to four cutters in the United States, with the first U.S.-built vessel expected to be delivered in 2029.
The MPI design was developed by Seaspan in partnership with Aker Arctic Technology under Canada’s National Shipbuilding Strategy and is described as production-ready. The design was originally created for the Canadian Coast Guard’s long-range operations in Arctic conditions and meets Polar Class 4 requirements. Design and engineering work was carried out largely in Canada, and Seaspan has already identified a range of system and equipment suppliers for the platform.
Seaspan Shipyards’ CEO John McCarthy said:The MPI design is a true success story under Canada’s NSS. The interoperability resulting from a common design and supply chain between the Canadian and American coast guard fleets will create countless opportunities for collaboration throughout the vessels’ operational lives, aligning with the greater goals outlined in the trilateral ICE Pact framework.
The use of an established design and supply chain is intended to allow construction to begin without delay and to support commonality between Canadian and U.S. Coast Guard fleets. The company is currently building multiple ice-capable vessels under Canada’s National Shipbuilding Strategy, including Multi-Purpose Icebreakers and a heavy polar icebreaker.
