President Trump has signed an agreement for Louisiana’s Bollinger Shipyards in Houma to build four of six new icebreaker vessels that will advance the United States’ capabilities for defense and research in the Arctic.
The complete deal totals $6 billion and will include other partners as well as the government of Finland. It will support 600 jobs at the Bollinger Shipyards.
Gov. Jeff Landry and his Economic Development Secretary Susan Bourgeois said the award “marks a pivotal moment for Louisiana’s shipbuilding industry” in a joint statement issued Oct. 10.
“We also recognize the leadership of President Trump in advancing this opportunity,” Landry and Bourgeois continued. “His administration’s prioritization of Arctic security reflects a bold, strategic vision to strengthen America’s industrial base and national security.
“This contract is more than a win for Bollinger; it’s a win for Louisiana’s workforce, for our supply chain and for the broader effort to ensure America builds its future here at home.”
The icebreaker ships under the control of the U.S. Coast Guard have the ability to break 4 feet of ice, travel 12,000 nautical miles and operate for more than 60 days.
Louisiana Republican Congressmen Steve Scalise and Clay Higgins, who represent what’s known as the state’s Bayou Region that includes Houma, praised Trump for the deal.
“I am proud to represent the only shipbuilder in the United States in Bollinger Shipyards that has the capability, capacity and expertise to begin construction on these critical vessels on day one that will project American power and dominance in the Arctic,” Scalise said in a statement.
“The world’s oceans would not be secure without Louisiana shipbuilders like Bollinger; four brand new icebreaker vessels will be built in Houma, supporting hundreds of jobs in South Louisiana,” Higgins said in a statement. “Thank you, President Trump, for your commitment to strengthen our domestic shipbuilding industry.”
Ben Bordelon is president and chef executive of Bollinger.
“We appreciate the trust President Trump has placed in the skilled men and women of Bollinger Shipyards and stand ready to begin construction on these critical vessels on day one,” Bordelon said. “The Arctic Security Cutter will enable the United States to rapidly project American power, enforce our sovereignty, and reassert American dominance in the Arctic.”
Greg Hilburn covers state politics for the USA TODAY Network of Louisiana. Follow him on Twitter @GregHilburn1.
