American shipbuilder Davie Defense has been awarded a contract from the United States Coast Guard (USCG) to build five Arctic Security Cutters (ASCs), a new class of polar icebreaker.
As part of the program of up to 11 total ASCs, authorized by the Presidential Memorandum "Construction of Arctic Security Cutters," two ASCs will be constructed in Finland at Davie Defense's sister facility, Helsinki Shipyard. Building in Finland ensures the shipbuilder can meet the USCG's accelerated schedule to deliver the first ASC in 2028. American shipbuilders will work and learn alongside Helsinki's world-leading icebreaker builders. This will support the efficient all-American construction of three ASCs at Davie's facilities in Galveston and Port Arthur, Texas.
Davie's ASC design is based on a platform with seven previous variants delivered from Helsinki Shipyard. These variants are all in service today.
Davie Defense is the U.S. arm of INOCEA, a UK-owned maritime group with operations in Finland, Canada and the U.S. In 2025, INOCEA acquired Gulf Copper & Manufacturing's shipbuilding assets in Galveston and Port Arthur.
Further details regarding program milestones will be announced in coordination with the USCG.
