The US Coast Guard is seeking information on commercial vessels and operators that could support icebreaking operations in Northeastern US waterways this winter.
A request for information issued on October 21 covers US-flag, coastwise-qualified vessels able to work in ice between four and 18 inches (10 and 46 centimetres) thick. Responses are due by 17:00 Eastern time on November 13, with mobilisation envisaged by January 2, 2027.
The notice is market research for a possible procurement. It is not a solicitation and will not itself result in a contract award.
The coast guard said the vessels would support port access, safe navigation, and the movement of critical cargo within the Coast Guard District Northeast area of responsibility. Tasks could include opening and maintaining tracks through ice, escorting vessels transporting critical cargo, and clearing commercial channels.
Emergency work could involve breaking ice jams to avert localised flooding and enabling supplies to reach isolated communities.
The coast guard expects to give 72 hours' notice ahead of required work. Its plans assume continuous support for at least seven days, with vessels available for daylight icebreaking for up to 12 hours per day. Any work exceeding 12 hours would need prior approval from the contracting officer.
The coast guard would determine tasking and priorities, while contractors would provide labour, equipment and supervision and remain responsible for safe vessel operations.
The identified waterways are Boston Harbor and its tributaries, the Cape Cod Canal and Buzzards Bay, and waterways serving Hyannis, Nantucket and Martha's Vineyard in Massachusetts. They also include Narragansett Bay in Rhode Island and waterways serving Bridgeport, Stamford, and New Haven in Connecticut.
Each vessel must hold a valid coast guard certificate of inspection covering the required routes and conditions.
Respondents are asked for vessel particulars, including dimensions, draught, endurance and crew complement, as well as previous icebreaking experience and mobilisation times.
They may also submit non-binding, daily rate ranges and mobilisation and demobilisation charges, along with recommendations on standby, on-call and emergency contracting arrangements.
Commercially contracted tugs supplemented government icebreakers during the 2025–2026 winter, which included operations in New York Harbour and the Hudson River in January.