Davie Defense Awarded USCG Contract to Build Five Arctic Security Cutters
•February 11, 2026
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Why It Matters
The award strengthens U.S. maritime presence in the rapidly opening Arctic and revitalizes domestic shipbuilding capacity, directly supporting national security and commercial interests in the region.
Key Takeaways
- •Five cutters awarded, first delivery slated for 2028
- •Two units built in Finland, three in Texas
- •Design leverages proven Helsinki icebreaker platform
- •Contract supports US strategic presence in Arctic
- •INOCEA’s U.S. arm expands Texas shipbuilding capability
Pulse Analysis
The melting Arctic is reshaping global trade routes and heightening geopolitical tension, prompting the United States Coast Guard to modernize its icebreaking fleet. Existing cutters are aging, and the new Arctic Security Cutter (ASC) program aims to provide a purpose‑built platform capable of year‑round operations in extreme ice conditions. By fielding a fleet of up to 11 vessels, the USCG seeks to secure maritime safety, enforce sovereign rights, and support national security missions as commercial traffic expands northward.
Davie Defense, the U.S. arm of the INOCEA Group, secured a contract to build five of these cutters, with delivery of the first unit scheduled for 2028. The agreement splits construction between Helsinki Shipyard in Finland—where two hulls will benefit from the yard’s world‑leading icebreaker expertise—and Davie’s Texas facilities in Galveston and Port Arthur, where three vessels will be assembled. The ASC design draws on a proven platform that already powers seven sister ships, allowing the program to accelerate development while controlling costs.
The contract reinforces America’s strategic push to re‑establish a domestic shipbuilding base capable of supporting Arctic operations. By coupling Finnish engineering with U.S. labor, Davie Defense creates a hybrid supply chain that can meet the Coast Guard’s accelerated schedule and budget constraints. The deal also signals heightened competition with Russia and China for influence in the high‑latitude region, making the ASC fleet a critical asset for deterrence and for enabling commercial and scientific missions in the emerging polar frontier.
Davie Defense Awarded USCG Contract to Build Five Arctic Security Cutters
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 critical to increasing U.S. presence in the Arctic.
Davie Defense press release
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.
Kai Skvarla, Chief Executive Officer, Davie Defense, said: “We’re deeply honored by this vote of confidence. We can’t wait to get started on delivering mission-ready cutters to our valued U.S. Coast Guard partner. By anchoring construction in Texas, while drawing on Helsinki Shipyard’s proven icebreaker expertise, we can deliver the ASCs to meet the Coast Guard’s operational needs in the world’s harshest environments.”
Davie’s ASC design is based on a proven 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.
James Davies, Co-Founder, INOCEA Group, said: “This contract underscores our role as a trusted Arctic shipbuilding partner to the U.S. Coast Guard. As strategic competition in the Arctic accelerates, we are fully committed to delivering world-class icebreakers capable of enabling sustained operations.”
Alex Vicefield, Co-Founder, INOCEA Group, said: “Our focus is on disciplined execution for the U.S. Coast Guard – combining proven designs with Helsinki Shipyard’s world-leading expertise helping re-establish world-class shipbuilding capability in Texas, where we will deliver cutters on-time and on-budget.”
Further details regarding program milestones will be announced in coordination with the USCG.
About the Arctic Security Cutter Program
The ASC is a new class of polar icebreakers designed to conduct U.S. Coast Guard missions in the world’s most challenging maritime environments. The ASC will provide the Coast Guard with a modern icebreaking fleet to support national security, maritime safety, and polar access.
The post Davie Defense Awarded USCG Contract to Build Five Arctic Security Cutters appeared first on Naval News.
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