Updated: December 11, 2023 (Originally published March 4, 2020)
MacGregor has been awarded the contract to supply the deck machinery and cargo handling equipment for the US Coast Guard’s next-generation Polar Security Cutter.
MacGregor, part of Cargotec, received the order from VT Halter Marine, the prime contractor in the PSC program.
For its part, MacGregor will provide the anchor windlass, mooring winches and capstans, main towing winch, offshore cranes, oceanographic winch, hanger overhead crane and cargo access equipment. The contract also provides for two further options for delivery to a second PSC in 2025, and third vessel in late 2027.
The order is booked into Cargotec’s fourth quarter 2019 order intake, with delivery planned to take place in Q3 2021.
“We are delighted to have been selected to supply the deck machinery and cargo handling solution for the Polar Security Cutter programme, with this important contract being testimony to MacGregor’s extensive experience in supplying polar icebreakers globally and our leading position in the supply and support of such solutions for naval logistic vessels,” says Leif Byström, Head of Offshore Solutions Division, MacGregor.
The Polar Security Cutter is planned to replace the United States Coast Guard’s aging fleet of polar icebreakers, which has dwindled to only one operational polar icebreaker – USCGC Polar Star.
The new PSC will be able to provide accommodation for 186 crew and scientists, with a capability to break through two meters of ice and operate for 80 days without replenishment.
In May 2019, VT Halter Marine named as the prime contractor in the Department of the Navy’s $745,940,860 fixed-price incentive-firm contract for the first PSC. The contract includes two options which, if exercised, would bring the total amount to approximately $1.9 billion.
The first ship is scheduled for delivery in 2024, followed by the second in 2025, and the last delivering in early 2027.
Sign up for gCaptain’s newsletter and never miss an update
Essential maritime and offshore news, insights, and updates delivered daily straight to your inbox
Salvage crews have removed roughly 1,000 gallons of residual fuel from the grounded barge Defiant near the entrance to San Juan Harbor, significantly reducing environmental risk as officials prepare a plan to refloat the 265-foot vessel. The port remains open, and no pollution or injuries have been reported.
The U.S. Coast Guard has completed contract awards for all 11 Arctic Security Cutters, closing out a major icebreaker expansion aimed at strengthening U.S. presence and operational capability in the Arctic amid rising competition in the High North.
A fuel barge ran aground near the entrance to San Juan Harbor on Monday while being towed inbound from St. Thomas, prompting a Coast Guard response near Old San Juan’s historic El Morro fortress. Officials say there were no injuries, no pollution reported, and the port remains open to vessel traffic.
Subscribe to gCaptain Daily and stay informed with the latest global maritime and offshore news
Essential news coupled with the finest maritime content sourced from across the globe.
Sign Up
Join The Club
