Trump Allocates $8.6 Billion to Expand U.S. Arctic Icebreaker Fleet

 

President Donald Trump has earmarked $8.6 billion in a new tax and spending bill to significantly boost the U.S. Coast Guard's icebreaker fleet as part of a strategic push for dominance in the rapidly evolving Arctic region. The funding will support the construction of up to three heavy Polar Security Cutters at a cost of $4.3 billion, $3.5 billion for medium Arctic Security Cutters, and an additional $816 million for light and medium icebreakers.

The current U.S. fleet includes only three ice-capable vessels, far behind Russia’s fleet of 57. Trump has advocated for as many as 40 new icebreakers to support national security and commercial activities in the Arctic. Melting polar ice is opening new trade routes and resource opportunities, prompting increased interest from global powers. China and Russia are strengthening their Arctic cooperation to counter U.S. influence, while the U.S. Canada and Finland have launched the ICE Pact aiming to build 70 to 90 icebreakers over the next decade.

Shipbuilding companies in Louisiana such as Bollinger Shipyards and Edison Chouest Offshore have formed a new partnership called the United Shipbuilding Alliance to bid for the icebreaker contracts. Bollinger has been approved to begin full construction of the first Polar Security Cutter in Mississippi despite facing delays and cost overruns. The Congressional Budget Office previously estimated the project’s cost at $5.1 billion, 60 percent above initial Coast Guard estimates.

Other firms including Canada’s Davie Shipbuilding and Singapore’s Keppel Amfels may also bid for contracts, though foreign builders would require a presidential waiver. The Coast Guard recently added its first new polar icebreaker in 25 years and continues efforts to modernize its fleet as Arctic competition intensifies.

See also: Trump Signs Order to Raise Fees for Foreign Visitors at U.S. National Parks