Update: Singapore-Owned Firm Wins Polar Security Contract

VT Halter Marine,Inc. has been awarded a US Navy/US Coast Guard contract for detail design and construction of up to three Polar Security Cutters,it was announced on 23 April 2019.The company is a subsidiary of the state-owned Singapore Technologies Engineering.Singapore is a close US ally and VT Halter has built the Mark V Special Operations Craft for the US Navy,as well as mid-sized ocean surveillance vessels for the US Government.*
The contract is for up to almost 746 million dollars for the first cutter;if all options are exercised,VT Halter will build three PSCs for 1.9 billion.The hefty yet sleek multi-mission ships will have a stated mission of ensuring continued access to both polar regions and supporting the country's economic​, commercial, maritime and national security needs.Through an Integrated Program Office, the project is being jointly managed by the US Navy and US Coast Guard.Naval Sea Systems Command (NAVSEA) is the lead contract authority.The arrangement is intended to deliver best value at speed, the Navy said.Construction on the first PSC is to begin in 2021, with completion by 2024.If all options are exercised, the other two PSCs are to be delivered by 2027.Coast Guard Commandant ADL Karl L. Schultz said:
This contract award marks an important step towards building the nation's full complement of six polar ice breakers (three heavy and three medium) to meet the unique mission demands that have emerged from increased commerce,tourism, research, and international activities in the Arctic and Antarctic.*
The PSCs will be capable of surface defence using removable weapons, and will be capable of fitting with additional sensors and weapons.The PSC will be fitted with surface and air search radars and will be capable of communications with other Joint Force and National Science Foundation ships and aircraft.
The cutter's missions will include defence operations and readiness; defending US sovereignty, national security and US interests;port, waterways and coastal security; research; search​ and rescue; logistics support; and vessel escort.*
Polar Security Cutters will be 460 feet in length, which is nearly as long as an Arleigh Burke-class guided missile destroyer at 510 feet.They will have a beam of 88 feet.A helipad will be astern.*
The PSCs will be built in Pascagoula, Mississippi.