Pascagoula is looking to secure its reputation as the “icebreaker capital of the world” with the announcement of nearly a billion dollars in government money going to Bollinger Shipyards and its efforts to build ice-breaking vessels.
U.S. Sen. Roger Wicker, a Republican from Mississippi who chairs the Senate Armed Services Committee, announced Wednesday that the Department of Homeland Security had decided to modify the Polar Security Cutter (PSC) icebreaker contract to include an additional $951.6 million investment at Bollinger’s location in Pascagoula.
“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 this region,” Wicker explained. “Today’s award is a testament to the good work that Bollinger continues to do on the [PSC] program and the growing urgency with which their platforms are needed to boost our national defense.
“The Mississippi Gulf Coast will not only benefit from even more national security-focused quality jobs and economic development, but it will also continue to be a national player and powerhouse in mission-critical innovation and military capability.”
Under the updated contract, Bollinger can proceed with building America’s first heavy polar icebreaker in nearly 50 years. The PSC series’ first vessel, the 460’ x 88’ U.S. Coast Guard Polar Sentinel (WMSP-21), is to be completed by May 2030. Plans currently call for three Polar Class 2 heavy icebreakers to be built under the program.
The new class of ships is designed to replace the current Coast Guard icebreaker fleet, which with age, have experienced frequent mechanical issues and are becoming increasingly expensive to maintain.
In a statement from Ben Bordelon, president and CEO of Bollinger Shipyards, he commended employees along with local and federal leaders for helping secure the contract modification. Of those he said had hands in the process were Wicker and other members of Mississippi’s congressional delegation, President Donald Trump, and Gov. Tate Reeves.
“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,” Bordelon said. “We wouldn’t be in this solid position we’re in today without the leadership and the tireless efforts of the entire team at Bollinger Mississippi Shipbuilding.”
“I am also grateful for the leadership of President Trump and his administration in recognizing the urgent need for American-made icebreakers. Because of his foresight and commitment to rebuilding America’s shipbuilding capabilities, this historic project is now moving forward,” he continued. “I also want to thank Governor Reeves and Mississippi’s congressional delegation for their leadership and support, especially as we leverage ongoing state and local investments to ensure Bollinger Mississippi remains the premier example of American shipbuilding.”
In 2024, Bollinger’s Pascagoula workforce exceeded 1,000 employees – a massive turnaround in comparison to declining employment under the facility’s previous owner, VT Halter Marine. Since purchasing the Jackson County location in 2022, Bollinger has invested over $40 million into infrastructure, technology, and personnel. With the contract modification, Bollinger will be able to provide employees with industry-leading wages throughout the life of the PSC program.
