U.S. Awards $14 Billion in Icebreaker Contracts, Bypassing Major Defense Firms

The Coast Guard taps smaller, international shipbuilders to build 14 new Arctic security cutters and heavy icebreakers.

Published on Feb. 15, 2026

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The U.S. Coast Guard has awarded over $14 billion in contracts to build 14 new icebreakers, a major effort to bolster the nation's Arctic capabilities. However, the contracts went to smaller, international shipbuilders rather than the country's biggest defense contractors. Companies like Rauma Marine Constructions, Bollinger Shipyards, and Davie Defense will construct the new medium and heavy icebreakers, based on proven designs from Canada and Finland.

Why it matters

This move marks a shift away from relying on major U.S. defense firms for critical maritime infrastructure. The contracts highlight the growing importance of the Arctic region and the need for specialized vessels to operate in harsh polar conditions, as the U.S. works to close the 'icebreaker gap' with Russia's larger fleet.

The details

The $14 billion effort will produce 11 new 'Arctic Security Cutter' medium icebreakers and 3 new 'Polar Security Cutter' heavy icebreakers. Rauma Marine Constructions will build 2 ships in Finland, Bollinger Shipyards will construct 4 in Louisiana and 3 heavy icebreakers, and Davie Defense will build 5 more in Finland and Texas. The contracts bypass major U.S. defense firms like General Dynamics and Huntington Ingalls, instead going to smaller, international shipbuilders with proven icebreaker designs.

  • The Coast Guard awarded the first 6 medium icebreaker contracts in December 2025.
  • The first medium icebreaker is expected to be delivered in 2028.
  • The first heavy icebreaker is expected to be delivered in 2030.

The players

Rauma Marine Constructions

A Finnish shipbuilding company that will construct 2 of the new medium icebreakers.

Bollinger Shipyards

A Louisiana-based shipbuilder that will construct 4 medium icebreakers and 3 heavy icebreakers.

Davie Defense

The U.S. arm of the UK-owned INOCEA maritime group, which will build 5 medium icebreakers in Finland and Texas.

Seaspan Shipyards

A Canadian shipbuilder whose icebreaker designs are being used for the new U.S. vessels.

Aker Arctic Technology

A Finnish company whose icebreaker designs are also being used for the new U.S. ships.

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What they’re saying

“These contracts mark a significant shift away from relying on major U.S. defense firms for critical maritime infrastructure.”

— Rich Smith, Author (fool.com)

What’s next

The first medium icebreaker is expected to be delivered in 2028, with the full fleet of 14 new icebreakers scheduled for completion by 2030.

The takeaway

By tapping smaller, international shipbuilders with proven icebreaker designs, the U.S. is taking a novel approach to rapidly expand its Arctic capabilities and close the 'icebreaker gap' with Russia, without relying on major domestic defense contractors.