The US Coast Guard in recent months has been signaling to industry it would soon advance its Arctic Security Cutter program through a series of requests for information and discussions with vendors from multiple countries.
“Together, the four companies represent the world’s premier icebreaker shipbuilding companies,” the shipbuilders said in a joint statement.
Government can’t stop to update systems, so modernization has to happen without interruptions.
"The creation of the United Shipbuilding Alliance represents a significant evolution in America’s capacity to rapidly address urgent Arctic operational requirements," President and CEO of Edison Chouest Offshore Gary Chouest said in the press release.
“We want it faster than that, but I think that that's the realistic timeline in which the shipbuilders can make it,” said Lt. Gen. Eric Austin, the Marine Corps's top requirements officer.
The service wants a ship that can be launched within three years of a contract award being issued, according to a recent request for information.
While the Coast Guard has its eye on a smaller number of "big" icebreakers for high north operations, the service said it's looking to "replace, modernize and grow" its entire fleet, including many smaller vessels.
As threats rapidly evolve, digital engineering, manufacturing capacity and robust supply chains are critical to meeting challenges.
The contract award comes as President Donald Trump has been publicly calling for the United States to buy dozens of new icebreakers.
The mission modules advancement will pave the way for the service's legacy helicopters and Avenger class ships to be retired.
Almost five years since awarding the first frigate contract, the US Navy is starting to move out on finding a second builder.
The Congressional Budget Office's report states the Coast Guard is working on its own new cost estimate for the heavy icebreaker program.
Breaking Defense Europe will launch May 4 with Tim Martin and Elisabeth Gosselin-Malo as co-editors.
Bollinger's CEO says the deal has strengthened his company's standing in the industrial base, but analysts worry the merger is a bellwether for more consolidation to come - which could impact the Pentagon's shipbuilding plans.
Bollinger Shipyards won the contract awarded in April.
The mine countermeasures USV is one piece of tech designed keep Navy ships safe from undersea mines.
The Offshore Patrol Cutter is one of the Coast Guard's top acquisition priorities, on par with its heavy icebreakers.