Controversial Bid for Military Icebreakers
Amid the competitive landscape of military icebreaker production, Bollinger Shipyards is aggressively pursuing government contracts, even with a shadowy history tied to its dealings with the United States.
This past Fourth of July, a significant bill was enacted, channeling over $8 billion towards the construction of up to three new heavy icebreakers, along with three medium and ten lighter icebreakers, as reported by sources.
The Department of Homeland Security emphasized the necessity of these icebreakers for maintaining America’s foothold in the Arctic, a region increasingly under threat from geopolitical adversaries. The area is crucial due to the vast resources and trade opportunities it presents.
As various companies vied for these lucrative contracts, Bollinger sought to secure a deal for three medium icebreakers, which could net them $3.5 billion, as indicated by industry insights.
Founded in 1946, Bollinger has a lengthy history, one that includes several scandals and reliance on government bailouts, distinguishing it from its competitors.
In 2022, the company acquired VT Halter Marine and took over a substantial $745 million contract for a heavy icebreaker intended for the US Coast Guard, as disclosed by the Department of Defense. Following the acquisition, they were awarded an additional $951.6 million to complete the project. This essentially means that costs for the vessel more than doubled beyond the original contract, and the ship is still not finished.
Ben Bordelon, the CEO of Bollinger, characterized the contract modifications as a testament to the trust the government has in his company.
Nevertheless, Bollinger’s relationship with the US government hasn’t always been smooth. In 2015, they settled for $8.5 million regarding a false claims suit, with allegations stating that Bollinger misrepresented the structural integrity of a patrol boat provided to the Coast Guard.
According to a statement from the Department of Justice, false claims threaten the safety and integrity of those protecting the nation’s borders.
In another incident, Bollinger paid over $1 million in 2025 to resolve allegations of false claims regarding the employment of workers unauthorized to work in the US.
This wasn’t the first time the company faced accusations related to illegal labor practices; a 2010 Fifth Circuit ruling mandated that illegal immigrant workers were entitled to compensation for on-the-job injuries sustained while employed by Bollinger.
