Bollinger gets $951.6M modification to Polar Security Cutter contract
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Marking a major milestone in the Coast Guard\u2019s heavy polar icebreaker program, Bollinger Shipyards has been awarded a $951.6 million contract modification that advances the Polar Security Cutter program<\/a> to the detail design and construction phase.<\/p>\n \u201cSecuring 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,\u201d said Ben Bordelon, president and CEO of Bollinger Shipyards. \u201cWe wouldn\u2019t be in the solid position we\u2019re 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.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI am also grateful for the leadership of President Trump and his Administration in recognizing the urgent need for American-made icebreakers,\u201d Bordelon added. \u201cBecause of his foresight and commitment to rebuilding America\u2019s shipbuilding capabilities, this historic project is now moving forward.\u201d<\/p>\n Bordelon also acknowledged Mississippi\u2019s leadership for championing the PSC Program and state as a dominant force in shipbuilding.<\/p>\n \u201cI also want to thank Governor Reeves and Mississippi\u2019s 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.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cAs the Arctic grows as an arena of great power competition, the United States will require far more icebreaking capability from the U.S. Coast Guard to defend our interests in the region. Today\u2019s award is a testament to the good work that Bollinger continues to do on the Polar Security Cutter program and the growing urgency with which their platforms are needed to boost our national defense,\u201d said U.S. Sen. Roger Wicker (R-Miss.), Chairman of the Senate Armed Services Committee. \u201cThe Mississippi Gulf Coast will not only benefit from even more national security-focused quality jobs and economic development, but it will also continue to be a national player and powerhouse in mission-critical innovation and military capability.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cMississippi continues to prove its status as the premier destination for American shipbuilding\u2014driving both national defense and commercial maritime strength,\u201d said U.S. Senator Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-Miss.). \u201cThis milestone not only reinforces the Gulf Coast\u2019s strategic importance, but it also reflects the value of returning critical shipbuilding programs to experienced, American-owned hands. Under Bollinger Shipyards\u2019 strong leadership and investment, a once-stalled program will move forward with renewed urgency. I fully support this effort, which brings more high-quality jobs to Mississippi and ensures the Coast Guard is able to meet the growing challenges in the Arctic and beyond.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cBollinger\u2019s continued investment and growth on the Mississippi Gulf Coast reflect the skills, strength and talent of Mississippi\u2019s workforce,\u201d said Mississippi Gov. Tate Reeves. \u201cThis announcement reinforces Mississippi\u2019s pivotal role in American shipbuilding and solidifies Mississippi\u2019s reputation as a national leader in maritime innovation and excellence.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cBollinger Mississippi Shipyards has a strong track record in American shipbuilding, and their role in the Polar Security Cutter program is another important step. This historic milestone strengthens national security, supports the domestic shipbuilding workforce, and enhances our Arctic presence. Ensuring the U.S. Coast Guard has the tools it needs is critical, and I look forward to seeing this project move forward,\u201d said U.S. Rep. Mike Ezell (R-Miss-04).<\/p>\n Bollinger says that, as itcontinues to enhance its operations in Mississippi into world-class shipyards, the company remains committed to making strategic investments to modernize and expand its capabilities. Additionally, the contract modification ensures Bollinger continues to provide its workforce with industry-leading wages throughout the life of the PSC program.<\/p>\n Since acquiring VT Halter <\/a>from Singapore\u2019s ST Engineering in in November 2022, Bollinger has made a significant economic impact in the state through targeted investments and workforce expansion. To date, 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.<\/p>\n Since the acquisition in 2022, Bollinger has increased its Mississippi workforce by over 61%, with production roles at BMS alone increasing by more than 178%. These numbers are expected to rise as the program reaches full production over the coming years. A key driver of this growth has been Bollinger\u2019s innovative bootcamp workforce development programs, which continue to strengthen the skilled labor pipeline.<\/p>\n \u201cOur investment in developing the next generation of skilled American workers not only strengthens our competitive edge in the shipbuilding industry but also underscores our commitment to fostering economic growth and American innovation,\u201d said Bordelon. \u201cWe are committed to providing high-quality careers that positively impact the families and communities we support along Mississippi\u2019s Gulf coast.\u201d<\/p>\n This contract modification primarily supports operations at Bollinger Mississippi Shipbuilding, with additional project contributions from facilities located in Massachusetts, Illinois, Virginia, Georgia, Louisiana, and other regions. Completion of the first Polar Security Cutter is anticipated by May 2030.<\/p>\n The Polar Security Cutter will provide the United States with enhanced operational capability in polar regions, playing a critical role in safeguarding national security, economic stability, and supporting vital maritime and commercial interests.<\/p>\n The post Bollinger gets $951.6M modification to Polar Security Cutter contract<\/a> appeared first on Marine Log<\/a>.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n