Bollinger: Icebreaker & closure

PASCAGOULA, Miss. - Bollinger Mississippi Shipbuilding has begun cutting steel at its Pascagoula ship facility on the first of eight prototype modules that will become the foundation of the first Coast Guard Polar Security Cutter (PSC) - USCGC Polar Sentinel (PSC-1). It is the first heavy icebreaker to be built in the U.S. in half a century. 

The hull of a heavy polar icebreaker is required to be much thicker than other CG cutters because of the pressure exerted on the ship by the surrounding ice. Before full construction begins, the prototype modules test the new systems, processes, people, and tools that are required to work with the specialized steel. The lessons learned from building the prototype module will be used to help ensure design completeness and improve the quality and efficiency of the manufacturing process.

Each module requires about four months of labor, during which time Bollinger will continue recruiting and training members of its workforce to manage the transition to production of the lead hull as the prototype modules are completed. 

The Coast Guard’s operational polar icebreaking fleet currently consists of one heavy icebreaker, the Polar Star, which was commissioned in 1976, and one medium icebreaker, the cutter Healy that was commissioned in 1999. (Bollinger 08/09/23) BOLLINGER SHIPYARDS CUTS STEEL ON PROTOTYPE MODULE OF FIRST US-BUILT HEAVY ICEBREAKER IN 50 YEARS - News - Bollinger Shipyards 

Bollinger shutting down Algiers Point shipyard

Bollinger Shipyards is shutting down its Algiers Point shipyard in Louisiana, the latest sign of the changing times in the local maritime industry and the one-time working-class industrial neighborhood. What does the Lockport-based shipbuilder intend to happen now to the local employees and projects they were working on. 

Bollinger Shipyards is closing the property and shifting operations to its larger locations on the Gulf Coast, the company confirmed. 

Bollinger said the decision to close shop in Algiers was driven by a desire to consolidate its repair and maintenance operations and was not a reflection of a downturn in business or any negative aspect of New Orleans. (NOLA.com 08/08/23) Bollinger closes Algiers Point shipyard after 33 years | Business News | nola.com