GAO cites schedule uncertainty for USCG Polar Security Cutter programme

USCGC Healy is one of the service's two operational icebreakers as the service faces delay in building new ships for polar missions. (Janes/Michael Fabey)

The expected delivery date of the lead ship US Coast Guard (USCG) Polar Security Cutter (PSC) appears to be unknown, according to the US Government Accountability Office (GAO).

“Contract delivery date for the lead ship is May 2025, which is one year later than initially planned,” the GAO noted in a 20 April report on acquisitions made by the US Department of Homeland Security (DHS), which is the parent department for the USCG.

“However, officials stated that May 2025 is no longer realistic because of challenges such as Covid-19 effects and the shipbuilder's inexperience with large government acquisitions,” the GAO reported. “The programme does not have enough information to determine and assess a new delivery date.”

The PSC programme is intended to assist the USCG in maintaining access to Arctic and Antarctic polar regions. The service requires its PSCs to conduct multiple missions, including ice operations, defence readiness, marine environmental protection, and search and rescue.