The following is the text of a news release from Philly Shipyard:
(PHILADELPHIA) — Philly Shipyard is teaming with Fincantieri Marine Group (FMG) to compete for the detail design and construction of the next-generation heavy polar icebreaker for the U.S. Coast Guard. The USCG recently selected five shipyards to each conduct an industry study to help refine the vessel’s key features and performance requirements.
Over the next year, FMG and Philly Shipyard, along with the naval architecture and marine engineering firm Vard, will develop a baseline icebreaker design, cost estimate and project schedule and then refine them based on the results of the technical studies and corresponding feedback from the USCG. The various industry studies will help the USCG finalize a ship specification and project plan that will support its mission objectives and responsibilities in the polar regions and that will enable them to acquire one or more heavy polar icebreakers that are affordable to build, operate, and maintain.
The USCG plans to award a single contract for design and construction of the heavy polar icebreaker in fiscal year 2019, subject to appropriations.
The shipyard has delivered 26 vessels in its nearly 20-year history. Currently, the shipyard has two additional 50,000-dwt tankers for American Petroleum Tankers (APT), a subsidiary of Kinder Morgan, and two 3,600-TEU containerships for Matson Navigation Co. under construction.