The U.S. Coast Guard has started the process to buy new light icebreakers. They released a request for proposals (RFP) for up to seven Homeland Security Cutter-Light (HSC-L) vessels to replace an old fleet that has been in service for over 60 years.
The announcement was made on June 30, and it includes plans for design, production, testing, and delivery of these vessels through an indefinite-delivery, indefinite-quantity (IDIQ) contract. Industry proposals must be submitted by July 14.
These new cutters will take the place of the Coast Guard's 65-foot light icebreaking tugs, which were put into service between 1961 and 1967 and are now long past their expected lifespan. The HSC-L program aims to combine light icebreaking functions with navigation support in one platform, ensuring that smaller ports and harbors remain accessible year-round.
According to the Coast Guard, the new vessels will be able to operate in different ice conditions and will assist with buoy tending and other navigation tasks that keep waterways safe for both commercial and recreational use.
The procurement process will have two phases. After reviewing the first round of proposals, the Coast Guard will shortlist candidates and request more detailed submissions in Phase 2 from those selected.
This solicitation follows a request for information from March that detailed the Coast Guard's plan to acquire seven light icebreakers for ports and waterways in New England, the Mid-Atlantic, and the Great Lakes. The initial requirements expect the cutters to be about 69 feet long, operational for at least 30 years, and capable of breaking through 12 inches of ice at a continuous speed of 3 knots while remaining operational for at least three days without resupply.
Congress has allocated $816 million for the purchase of light and medium icebreaking cutters as part of a broader initiative to enhance the Coast Guard's domestic icebreaking capabilities.
The HSC-L project is different from the Coast Guard's expanding Arctic icebreaker fleet. Earlier this month, the Department of Homeland Security finalized contracts totaling $3.3 billion for six new Arctic Security Cutters, marking the first phase of an 11-vessel program aimed at strengthening U.S. operations in Arctic waters. These larger Polar Class icebreakers will focus on national security missions in high-latitude areas, while the HSC-L fleet will ensure key domestic waterways remain open for business during winter.