U.S.-based shipbuilder Davie Defense, part of the same group as Helsinki Shipyard, has reached an agreement with the United States Coast Guard for five Arctic Security Cutter–class vessels that will strengthen and expand the United States’ operational capabilities in the Arctic.
The first two vessels will be built at Helsinki Shipyard, with three to be constructed by Davie Defense in Texas. The first icebreaker will be delivered from Helsinki as early as 2028. Finnish icebreaker expertise, specialized know-how and technology will also play a central role in the vessels built in the United States.
Work will commence immediately, with construction led by Helsinki Shipyard in cooperation with Sata Shipbuilding at the Mäntyluoto shipyard in Pori. The Pori yard will supply block sections for the vessels.
“We greatly value the trust placed in us to build five icebreakers for the United States Coast Guard, two of which will be constructed in Finland. Helsinki Shipyard’s proven icebreaker solutions and world-class design and shipbuilding expertise, combined with steel production in Pori, enable an exceptionally fast delivery schedule. The project is a strong testament to Finland’s and our company’s long-standing expertise in icebreaker construction and shipbuilding,” says Mika Heiskanen, CEO of Davie’s Finnish shipyards.
Helsinki Shipyard is a world-leading designer and builder of icebreakers. Approximately half of the world’s operational icebreakers have been built at the yard. The shipyard and its domestic partners have decades of experience in advanced design, model testing, precision manufacturing and specialized supply chains.
The vessels for the United States Coast Guard are based on the MPPS-100 vessel concept designed and owned by Helsinki Shipyard. The Arctic Security Cutter (ASC) vessels represent the fourth generation of this concept. The total employment impact of the two vessels is estimated at approximately 5,000 person-years.
“The confirmation of Davie’s icebreaker order
for Helsinki is excellent news.
“This contract is already the second major icebreaker order for Helsinki within a year and continues Finland’s long tradition as a supplier of world-class Arctic vessels. Our MPPS-100 concept is built on our unparalleled expertise in icebreaker design and ensures that our know-how supports allied operations in the world’s most challenging conditions,” says Kim Salmi, CEO of Helsinki Shipyard.
“The confirmation of Davie’s icebreaker order for Helsinki is excellent news. The vessels to be built in Helsinki complement the previously agreed letter of intent between the United States and Finland for 11 icebreakers. Icebreaker construction is a core area of expertise for Helsinki Shipyard and the Finnish maritime industry, involving a broad network of equipment suppliers and subcontracting partners. We congratulate Davie on securing a contract for a total of five icebreakers. The commercial utilization of Finnish technology and expertise will play a significant role in the vessels to be built in Galveston, United States,” says Minister of Economic Affairs Sakari Puisto.
Davie Defense is a U.S. shipbuilder and part of the Inocea Group, a privately owned British maritime industrial group and owner of the Davie Group. In Finland, Davie is known as the owner of Helsinki Shipyard and the Mäntyluoto shipyard in Pori.
“This agreement highlights our role as a trusted Arctic shipbuilding partner to the United States Coast Guard. As strategic competition intensifies in the Arctic, we are committed to delivering world-class icebreakers capable of supporting sustained operations,” says James Davies, founder of the Inocea Group and CEO of Davie Group.
“Our focus is on efficient execution for the United States Coast Guard. This project combines Helsinki Shipyard’s world-class icebreaker expertise and proven vessel solutions, helping to restore top-tier shipbuilding capability in Texas, where we will deliver the vessels on time and on budget,” says Alex Vicefield, co-founder of the Inocea Group.
Translated by The Editorial Team.
Source: Helsinki Shipyard
