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Davie Defense awarded ASC deal
27th Apr 2026
US Coast Guard Arctic Security Cutter. Pictured: Fourth-generation parent design from Davie-owned Helsinki Shipyard; seven ships from this product line already delivered (image: Davie Defense)
American shipbuilder Davie Defense has been awarded a contract by the United States Coast Guard to construct five Arctic Security Cutters (ASC), a new class of polar icebreaker intended to strengthen US presence in the High North. The award, announced in early 2026, forms part of a wider programme of up to 11 vessels authorised by Presidential Memorandum and represents one of the most significant US polar shipbuilding contracts in a generation.
The ASC is a substantial vessel: 99.9m in length, 21m in beam, displacing 9,000tonnes at normal operating draught of 7m. Ice Class PC3 rated, she is designed to