Halter Marine gets contract for second polar security cutter

Vthalter

(PASCAGOULA, Miss.) — The U.S. Department of the Navy has awarded Halter Marine of Pascagoula, Miss., a fixed-price incentive-firm contract for a second U.S. Coast Guard polar security cutter (PSC), formerly known as the heavy polar icebreaker.

Initial efforts under this option will target the purchase of long lead-time materials, specifically the generator sets, necessary to support production while ensuring commonality across the first two PSCs. The PSC program is a multiple-year Department of Homeland Security Level 1 investment and a Coast Guard major system initiative to acquire up to three multi-mission ships to recapitalize the Coast Guard’s fleet of polar security cutters.

The polar security cutter will fill a current, definitive need for the Coast Guard statutory mission of polar icebreaking and meet other mission needs in the higher latitudes vital to the economic vitality, scientific inquiry and national interests of the United States.

Halter Marine is teamed with Technology Associates Inc., (TAI) as the ship designer. The ship design is based on a German Polarstern II design. The Halter Marine and TAI teams, along with other suppliers, are finalizing the PSC design.

These vessels are 460 feet in length with a beam of 88 feet overall, with a full load displacement of approximately 22,900 long tons at delivery. The propulsion will be diesel electric at over 45,200 horsepower and readily capable of continuously breaking ice 6 to 8 feet thick. The vessel will accommodate 186 personnel comfortably for an extended endurance of 90 days.

In addition to TAI, Halter Marine has teamed with ABB and Trident Marine for its Azipod propulsion and power distribution 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.

“By building the second polar security cutter, Halter Marine will continue its mission in delivering a national priority to the United States Coast Guard. Our talented workforce here at Halter Marine is proud to be part of such an important endeavor,” said Bob Merchent, president and CEO of Halter Marine.

– Halter Marine

 

By Rich Miller