From SixtyDegreesNorth

SixtyDegreesNorth reviews the prospects for replacing the National Science Foundation’s leased Antarctic Research Ship, Nathaniel B. Palmer. Along the way, they suggest that the MPPS100 version of the Arctic Security Cutter appears to be a good candidate to fill this role.

USCGC Healy is already hosting scientific research in the Arctic, so such a role would not be unexpected.

The program name, “Arctic Security Cutter,” suggests these ships would not be used in Antarctica, but I doubt that will be the case.

The article also notes that while Healy is expected to receive a service life extension, it is only expected to add five years to the life of the ship. Having been commissioned in 2000, I presume that means she is expected to be decommissioned in 2035, so if the Coast Guard plans to retain an icebreaker configured for scientific research, it will likely have to  use one of the fourteen currently planned (three Polar Security Cutters, five Davie/Helsinki MPPS 100, and six Bollinger/RMC Multi-Purpose Icebreakers).

The report does seem to indicate that Davie and Helsinki have been awarded contracts for five ships, but while that is anticipated, I don’t think it has happened yet. It may have been pending acquisition of the shipyard in Texas where Davie is expected to build these ships. That deal only closed January 9, 2026.

Davie’s proposal for the USCG Arctic Security Cutter.