Listen to this articleThe largest privately-owned shipbuilder in the Gulf of America region has scored a major federal contract. Bollinger Shipyards announces a $951.6 million Fixed-Price-Incentive-Firm Target contract modification from the U.S. Coast Guard to advance the detail design and construction phase of the Polar Security Cutter (PSC) Program.
“Securing 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,” said Ben Bordelon, President and CEO of Bollinger Shipyards.
Established in 1946, Bollinger Shipyards provides marine repair and conversion, manufacturing, and construction services to the energy, commercial, and government marine markets, including operations at 13 shipyards across Louisiana and Mississippi. This contract modification primarily supports operations at Bollinger Mississippi Shipbuilding, with contributions from facilities in Massachusetts, Illinois, Virginia, Georgia, Louisiana, and other regions.
“We wouldn’t be in the solid position we’re in today without the leadership and the tireless efforts of the entire team at Bollinger Mississippi Shipbuilding,” said Bordelon. “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.”
Completion of the first Polar Security Cutter is anticipated by May 2030. The Polar Security Cutter will provide the U.S. with enhanced operational capability in polar regions, safeguarding national security, economic stability, and supporting vital maritime and commercial interests.
“As 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,” said U.S. Sen. Roger Wicker (R-MS), Chairman of the Senate Armed Services Committee. “Today’s 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.”
Since acquiring foreign-owned VT Halter in Mississippi in 2022, Bollinger has invested $76 million across its Mississippi facilities and increased its Mississippi workforce by over 61%. These numbers are expected to rise as the program reaches full production. Additionally, the contract modification ensures Bollinger continues to provide its workforce with industry-leading wages throughout the life of the PSC program.
“Bollinger’s continued investment and growth on the Mississippi Gulf Coast reflect the skills, strength and talent of Mississippi’s workforce,” said Mississippi Gov. Tate Reeves. “This announcement reinforces Mississippi’s pivotal role in American shipbuilding and solidifies Mississippi’s reputation as a national leader in maritime innovation and excellence.”
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