Rauma Marine Constructions (RMC) have announced they have been awarded a contract by the United States Coast Guard to construct two Arctic Security Cutters (ASCs). The vessels represent the first phase of a historic agreement between the United States and Finland designed to accelerate the delivery of advanced icebreakers to the U.S. Coast Guard.
Construction of the two Arctic Security Cutters will begin immediately at RMC’s facilities in Rauma, Finland. The program underscores the close cooperation between the United States and Finland in strengthening Arctic capabilities and enhancing maritime security in polar regions.
“The awarded contract marks a historic milestone. It is a major vote of confidence in RMC and in the Finnish maritime industry network. We secured this significant deal thanks to our expertise and capability to build the ships within the required timeframe. Our fast delivery times make us the most affordable option on the market. Now it is time for us and our network to prove ourselves and demonstrate that we are worthy of trust,” said Mika Nieminen, CEO at Rauma Marine Constructions.
The icebreakers will be built at the Rauma shipyard and will be completed in 2028. Satakunta University of Applied Sciences is participating in the project as a training partner.
“Our focus is straightforward: execute with discipline, manage risk rigorously, and deliver two cutters that are ready to operate in the world’s harshest maritime environment from day one,” said Mika Nieminen.
The contract is a major achievement for the historic U.S.–Finland icebreaker cooperation announced earlier this fall under the Icebreaker Collaboration Effort (ICE Pact) framework.
“Finnish shipyards build the world’s best icebreakers and the largest cruise ships. Securing the icebreaker order for RMC’s shipyard is excellent news for Finland and for our entire maritime industry. The order strengthens the position of Finnish companies in the global value chain, increases Finland’s competitiveness and increases export income,” said Minister of Economic Affairs, Sakari Puisto.
“In the case of icebreakers, RMC’s preparatory work started in the autumn, but now we are moving towards full implementation. The entity formed by the shipyard and an extensive network of subcontractors and partners is unique internationally. This will enable us to deliver even the most modern icebreakers quickly and with high quality,” said Minister Puisto.
RMC’s role is central in the ASC program which emphasizes schedule certainty, low technical risk, and the use of a mature, production-ready design to meet the Coast Guard’s urgent operational requirements. Under the award, RMC will construct the first two Arctic Security Cutters based on the proven Multi-Purpose Icebreaker (MPI) design developed by Seaspan Shipyards in collaboration with Aker Arctic Technology. The vessels will be built in cooperation with the U.S. shipbuilder Bollinger Shipyards.
About the Arctic Security Cutter Program
The Arctic Security Cutter is a new class of U.S. Coast Guard medium polar icebreakers that will address America’s urgent national security needs in the Arctic region. ASCs will be capable of continuous icebreaking in heavy Arctic conditions, extended independent operations without resupply, and long-range deployment to safeguard U.S. interests in the Arctic.
