Fincantieri Marine Group, Fraser Shipyards and Donjon Marine have established a collaborative framework for shipbuilding projects within the Great Lakes region.
The three shipyards, all based in the Great Lakes, intend to compete for a contract to build seven light icebreakers for the US Coast Guard, designated as the homeland security cutter-light (HSC-L) icebreaker.
George Moutafis, Chief Executive Officer of Fincantieri Marine, stated, “Our initial goal is to provide the coast guard with a ready-to-build solution for its seven new light icebreakers, and we welcome others to join us on this and other potential projects as we collectively bring significant work to the Fourth Coast.”
The group said it remains open to additional members from the Great Lakes region, specifically those with “expertise in manufacturing and maritime technology.”
Patrick Kelly, Chief Executive Officer of Fraser Shipyards, explained that the alliance will support rapid mobilisation and collaboration as the industry integrates new construction methods.
John Witte, Jr, President and Chief Executive Officer of Donjon Marine Company, highlighted the importance of the partnership in expanding American shipbuilding capabilities. “This alliance reflects the kind of collaboration required to expand domestic industrial capacity and deliver important national shipbuilding programs,” Witte said.
Fincantieri Marine currently manages three shipyards in Northeast Wisconsin. The company believes this structure can serve as a model for connecting production sites and a revitalised supply chain to speed up the delivery of various ship classes.