The 399-foot cutter, commissioned in 1976, supports nine of the 11 Coast Guard statutory missions. Polar Star is the Coast Guard’s only active heavy icebreaker. Coast Guard The Coast Guard icebreaker Healy (WAGB-20) suffered a fire in one of the ship’s main propulsion motors on Aug. 18 while underway in the Arctic. The PSC program has Construction of the first Polar Security Cutter is scheduled to begin in early 2021 with delivery in 2024. With Mt. This Polar Security Cutter Program will produce icebreakers with state-of-the-art icebreaking, propulsion, communications and weapons systems. The 399-foot cutter, commissioned in 1976, supports nine of the 11 Coast Guard statutory missions. The bad news is that when it enters service, projected to occur in FY2024, it will be the first new heavy polar icebreaker for the USCG in 47 years. Baker in the background, U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Polar Star (WAGB-10) transits Puget Sound north of Seattle on Dec. 4, 2020, on its Arctic deployment. Work is set to begin in 2021 with delivery expected in 2024. "USCG PSC Equals meaningful Polar Presence", "Coast Guard Polar Icebreaker Program: Background and Issues for Congress", "US Senate Bill Includes Funding for New Icebreakers", "New Icebreaker Will Have Space, Power For Weapons: Coast Guard", "Coast Guard Renames New Icebreaker Program 'Polar Security Cutter, "VT Halter Marine to Build New Coast Guard Icebreaker", "Coast Guard Polar Security Cutter (Polar Icebreaker) Program: Background and Issues for Congress", "VT Halter Marine Awarded the USCG Polar Security Cutter", "U.S. Coast Guard Announces Homeport of Polar Security Cutter", "VT Halter Marine Details Coast Guard Icebreaker Bid", "A Closer Look at the US Coast Guard's New Icebreaker Requirements", "Polar Icebreaker Operational Requirements Document", Vice Commandant of the United States Coast Guard, Master Chief Petty Officer of the Coast Guard, United States Coast Guard Ceremonial Honor Guard, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Polar_Security_Cutter_program&oldid=994717375, Icebreakers of the United States Coast Guard, Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License, This page was last edited on 17 December 2020, at 05:08. The vessel will … USCG Polar Security Cutter Dennis L. Bryant The good news is that work has commenced on the first new heavy polar icebreaker for the United States Coast Guard in 43 years. The Polar Security Cutter (PSC), formerly known as the Heavy Polar Ice Breaker, is a US Coast Guard (USCG) program aimed at delivering three multi-mission cutters especially well suited for operation in the Arctic Ocean. The medium icebreaker, the Healy Coast Guard, experienced a crippling fire in one of the main propulsion motors. USCG Polar Security Cutter Details Unveiled Laxman Pai May 9, 2019 The U.S. Coast Guard (USCG)’s next icebreaker is based on a German research vessel, features a … The contract includes financial incentives for earlier delivery. According to company specifications, the PSC is 460 feet long and has a beam of 88 feet overall, along with a full load displacement of approximately 22,900 long tons at delivery. [8] On April 23, 2019 the Coast Guard and the Navy awarded VT Halter Marine a $745M detailed design and construction contract for the Coast Guard’s lead Polar Security Cutter. The new fleet of icebreakers will allow the USCG to perform missions in the Arctic such as defense operations and readiness; defending U.S. sovereignty and interests; national security activities and maritime safety; PWCS (ports, waterways, and coastal security); research; search and rescue; and logistic support and vessel escort. PASCAGOULA, Miss. In July 2021, Halter Marine will complete upgrades to the launch way area where the PSC will be constructed. "You get a lot of experts in the United States that want to say 'If we fund this polar security cutter program, America will be safe and secure and that will be it. The first PSC, currently under design, is on contract for delivery in The Coast Guard Polar Security Cutter (PSC) program is a program to acquire three new PSCs (i.e., heavy polar icebreakers), to be followed years from now by the acquisition of up to three new Arctic Security Cutters (ASCs) (i.e., medium polar icebreakers). The ship was originally heading to the Arctic for a deployment that was to last until October. [12], The polar security cutter will have a length of 460 feet (140 m), beam of 88 feet (27 m), and have a full load displacement of 22,900 long tons (23,300 t). USCG Polar Security Cutter Dennis L. Bryant The good news is that work has commenced on the first new heavy polar icebreaker for the United States Coast Guard in 43 years. The medium icebreaker should be able to break ice not less than 4.5 feet (1.4 m) thick at 3 kts and operate for 80 days without replenishment. The Healy was 60 nautical miles off of Seward, Alaska, en route to the Arctic when an electrical fire was reported at 9:30 p.m. A fire team disconnected the affected motor, and the fire was confirmed … The Coast Guard awarded a contract for its next polar security cutter, as its icebreakers are known, in April 2019. ALAMEDA, Calif. — The U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Healy (WAGB-20) suffered a fire in one of the ship’s main propulsion motors Aug. 18 while underway for operations in the Arctic. The US Coast Guard has released a request for information (RFI) ahead of a planned procurement of polar landing craft (PLC) that will Construction of the first Polar Security Cutter is scheduled to begin in early 2021 with delivery in 2024. The acquisition of Polar Security Cutters is being jointly managed across the U.S. Navy and U.S. Coast Guard through an IPO that leverages the expertise and utilizes best practices across each enterprise to deliver a fleet of highly capable, multi-mission ships in the most cost-efficient and timely manner possible. Coast Guard Cutter Healy file photo by Lt. Kellen Browne. The Coast Guard Polar Security Cutter (PSC) program is a program to acquire three new PSCs (i.e., heavy polar icebreakers), to be followed years from … An artist's conception of the VT Halter Marine Polar Security Cutter design. The Polar Star will be working in the Arctic to protect the United States’ “maritime sovereignty and security in the region.” According to Vice Admiral Linda Fagan, the US Coast Guard Pacific Area commander, the Arctic is no longer considered a frontier and is instead thought of as an area of growing importance to the US. The initial award includes non-recurring engineering, detail design and construction of the first Polar Security Cutter and has options for the construction of two additional hulls. In addition, the graphic appears to show a thruster in the bow to help in maneuvering through ice-filled waters. The first PSC, currently under design, is on contract for delivery in 2024. Photo: VT Halter. The Polar Security Cutter will fill a current, definitive need for the Coast Guard’s statutory mission and provide support for other mission needs in the higher latitudes vital to the economic vitality, scientific inquiry and national interests of the United States. Polar Star uses four different methods [example needed] of electronic navigation to overcome the difficulties of high-latitude operations, and a computerized propulsion control system to effectively manage six diesel-powered propulsion generators, three diesel-powered ship's service generators, three propulsion gas turbines, and other equipment vital to the smooth operation of the ship. The Coast Guard released a request for information July 30, 2020, for polar landing craft that will support polar security cutter (PSC) operations. Healy was taken to dry dock in Vallejo, Calif., for repair. The Coast Guard cutter Healy in the ice in 2018, about 715 miles north of Barrow, Alaska, in the Arctic. Navy. Construction of the first Polar Security Cutter is scheduled to begin in early 2021 with delivery in 2024. The United States has vital national interests in the polar regions. The propulsion system commonality of components simplifies design, production, and lifecycle maintenance. The Coast Guard needs six new PSCs to ensure national year-round access to the polar regions and to provide self-rescue capability. Baker in the background, U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Polar Star (WAGB-10) transits Puget Sound north of Seattle on Dec. 4, 2020, on its Arctic deployment. [note 1][1] The polar security cutter will be based on a German research vessel that will be modified to meet USCG requirements, it will have a diesel-electric propulsion system, and will have accommodations for 186 crew, scientists, and others as a part of mission packages. Construction of the first Polar Security Cutter is scheduled to begin in early 2021 with delivery in 2024. GE’s Marine Solutions announced that the U.S. Coast Guard commissioned Munro, a new National Security Cutter (NSC), on April 1 in Seattle, Washington. Photo: VT Halter. Coast Guard Polar Security Cutter (Polar Icebreaker) Program Congressional Research Service 2 In addition, Section 888(a) of the Homeland Security Act of 2002 (H.R. For more information: In-Service Vessel Sustainment program page and Polar Security Cutter program page The Coast Guard awarded the Polar Star service life extension contract Jan. 13, 2021, to Mare Island Dry Dock, LLC of Vallejo, California. With Mt. The vessels … The current plan for the replacement and expansion of its icebreaker fleet comes in the form of the Polar Security Cutter (PSC) program, and it is remarkably limited in its ambition. Also, VT Halter Marine anticipates that the lead ship will be delivered in 2024, with the second PSC in 2025, and the third in late 2027. These new vessels will be capable of extended deployments that support the More details are emerging about VT Halter Marine, Inc.’s winning design for the U.S. Coast Guard’s Polar Security Cutter (PSC). She suffered a fire in the starboard main propulsion motor while deployed to … Polar Star underwent a three-year reactivation and returned to operations in late 2013. The Coast Guard Cutter Healy is the Coast Guard's largest vessel, and its most technologically advanced ocean-going icebreaker, or Polar Security Cutter. In 2016, the Coast Guard established an integrated program office with the U.S. Navy to use the Navy's shipbuilding expertise for acquiring the icebreakers. These cutters are designed for open-water icebreaking and feature reinforced hulls and specially angled bows. In August, the 21-year-old CGC Healy (WAGB 20) suffered an electrical fire in the starboard main propulsion motor cutting short the cutter’s Arctic operations. [5], The U.S. Coast Guard established the heavy polar icebreaker acquisition program in 2012. [7] In September 2018, the Coast Guard announced that the icebreakers would be called Polar Security Cutters, that they would have the designation WMSP, and that the Coast Guard wanted the icebreakers to be capable of carrying deck-mounted weapons if needed. With the Polar Security Cutter, ... Aside from the daunting challenge of adding nuclear propulsion, adding significant-and likely classified national-security … Polar security cutters (PSCs) enable the U.S. to maintain defense readiness in the Arctic and Antarctic regions; enforce treaties and other laws needed to safeguard both industry and the environment; provide ports, waterways and coastal security; and provide logistical support – including vessel escort – to facilitate the movement of goods and personnel necessary to support scientific research, commerce, national security activities and maritime safety. The Coast Guard and U.S. Navy, through an integrated program office, on April 23, 2019, awarded VT Halter Marine Inc., of Pascagoula, Mississippi, a fixed price incentive (firm) contract for the detail, design and construction of the lead PSC. The polar security cutters combat system will be derived from the Aegis Combat System, an… No injuries were reported. 5005/P.L. [3][4] The first icebreaker will be funded by the U.S. Since then, Polar Star has completed six Operation Deep Freeze deployments to resupply McMurdo Station in Antarctica. VT Halter Marine has completed a major upgrade project to its launch way in preparation for building the first Polar Security Cutter, the U.S. Coast Guard's next-generation heavy icebreaker. ARLINGTON, Va. — President Trump has ordered a review of the U.S. Coast Guard’s icebreaking polar security cutter (PSC) program, with a focus on exploring options for nuclear power, heavy armament and leasing stopgap icebreakers. has won a tender with Halter Marine in Pascagoula, Mississippi to supply marine davits for the United States Coast Guard’s new Polar Security Cutter (PSC). The Coast Guard Cutter Healy suffered an Aug. 18 fire off south-central Alaska that damaged a critical propulsion motor and forced the icebreaker to … Construction of the first Polar Security Cutter is scheduled to begin in early 2021 with delivery in 2024. The Coast Guard Polar Security Cutter (PSC) program is a program to acquire three new PSCs (i.e., heavy polar icebreakers), to be followed years from now by the acquisition of up to three new medium polar icebreakers. ALAMEDA, Calif. — The U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Healy (WAGB-20) suffered a fire in one of the ship’s main propulsion motors Aug. 18 while underway for operations in the Arctic. The motor was recently replaced (video below) during a unique dry dock evolution and the nation’s sole medium icebreaker is expected to return to the Arctic in 2021. In addition to TAI, VT Halter Marine has teamed with ABB/Trident Maritime Systems for the PSC's Azipod propulsion system, Raytheon for command and control systems integration, Caterpillar for the main engines, Jamestown Metal Marine for joiner package, and Bronswerk for the HVAC system. The fiscal year 2021 President’s Budget requests full funding for the construction of the second Polar Security Cutter. [16] The PSC propulsion system will be a diesel-electric plant generating over 45,200 hp (33,700 kW). Both icebreakers will be capable of surface defense using removable weapons and will be capable of fitting with additional sensors and weapons. If two additional ship [13] The polar security cutter should be able to break through ice of 6.5 feet (2.0 m) at 3 knots (5.6 km/h; 3.5 mph), independently break through pressure ridges[14] 21 feet (6 m) thick, and be able to operate for 80 days without replenishment. The Polar Security Cutter Program is the program to replace the United States Coast Guard's aging fleet of icebreakers. The first Polar Security Cutter is expected to be delivered by VT Halter Marine in 2024. The current plan for the replacement and expansion of its icebreaker fleet comes in the form of the Polar Security Cutter (PSC) program, and it is remarkably limited in its ambition. She suffered a fire in the starboard main propulsion motor while deployed to the Arctic in August. [9][10], According to a press release dated 7 May 2019 announcing the PSC contract, VT Halter Marine teamed with Technologies Associates, Inc. (TAI), in the overall design based upon the proposed German polar research vessel Polarstern II. NyxoLyno Cangemi/U.S. The propulsion will be diesel electric at over 45,200 horse power and readily capable of … Construction of the first Polar Security Cutter is scheduled to begin in early 2021 with delivery in 2024. Mississippi’s VT Halter Marine was awarded a contract in April to build a 460-foot polar security cutter, with options for two more, to upgrade the Coast Guard’s aging icebreaker fleet. And we need one now,” he said. The Coast Guard celebrated the opening of the polar security cutter (PSC) project resident office at VT Halter Marine, Inc. in Pascagoula, Mississippi, today. The Polar Security Cutter was designed for Bollinger Shipyard’s tender submission for detailed design and construction of three (3) heavy polar icebreakers for the United States Coast Guard. Polar Security Cutter Heavy Polar Icebreaker [HPIB] Future Heavy Icebreaker. Design. The USCG released draft system specifications in April 2017, a draft request for proposal (RFP) in October 2017, and the RFP for advance planning and detailed design in March 2018. [11] The first three PSCs will be homeported in Seattle, Washington. Video: Heavy Polar Security Cutter Model Testing Underway. The Polar Security Cutter is designed for affordability. No injuries were reported. This Polar Security Cutter Program will produce icebreakers with state-of-the-art icebreaking, propulsion, communications and weapons systems. The fiscal year 2021 President’s Budget requests full funding for the construction of the second Polar Security Cutter. Trump Orders Review of Polar Security Cutter Program Posted on June 10, 2020 June 10, 2020 by Richard R. Burgess, Senior Editor Crew members aboard the icebreaker Polar Star secure a brow after mooring the cutter to a pier at Coast Guard Base Seattle on March 11. [15] The Polar Icebreakers will be built to a mix of military and commercial standards. Within that six, three need to be heavy, or Polar Security Cutters as we [call] them. [11], Rendering of the Polar Security Cutter design to be built by VT Halter Marine. A displacement of 33,000 long tons ( 34,000 t ) Building Nuclear-Powered Like. 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