# Coast Guard Seeks Northeast Commercial Icebreakers

The U.S. Coast Guard issued an October 21, 2026, Request for Information on SAM.gov seeking U.S.-flag, coastwise-qualified commercial vessels for emergency icebreaking in New England and southern Connecticut this winter. Responses are due November 13, 2026, and vessels must be able to mobilize by January 2, 2027. This is market research, not a confirmed solicitation or award, so it does not guarantee a procurement will follow.

- Vessel operators have **seven days remaining** as of November 6 to review the SAM.gov notice and submit a response if their vessels meet the flag, qualification, and operational requirements.
- The Coast Guard is seeking information on commercial capacity to help keep Northeast ports and waterways open during winter emergencies; operators should assess vessel availability and ability to meet the January 2 mobilization target.
- Because the RFI does not commit the Coast Guard to a future solicitation or award, respondents should treat it as an opportunity to inform market research rather than a confirmed contract.

**Jurisdictions:** federal
**Industries:** Transportation, Public Safety
**Topics:** Emergency Response
**Published:** November 06, 2026

### Government Entities
- U.S. Coast Guard (USCG)

### Sources
- [Coast Guard Looks to Commercial Icebreakers to Keep Northeast Ports Open This Winter](https://gcaptain.com/coast-guard-looks-to-commercial-icebreakers-to-keep-northeast-ports-open-this-winter) - gCaptain
- [Coast Guard Looks to Commercial Icebreakers to Keep Northeast Ports Open This Winter - HSToday](https://www.hstoday.us/subject-matter-areas/maritime-security/coast-guard-looks-to-commercial-icebreakers-to-keep-northeast-ports-open-this-winter) - Homeland Security Today