September 8, 2025

U.S. Coast Guard awards contract to modernize Base Seattle

Photo courtesy U.S. Coast Guard [enlarge]

Work includes dredging of Slip 36 and building two modernized major cutter berths to host the polar security vessels.

The Coast Guard's Facilities Design and Construction Center (FDCC) has awarded a contract to the Whiting-Turner Contracting Co. for the first phase of work that will result in homeporting future polar security cutters (PSC) at Base Seattle.

This contract, with a potential value of $137 million, is for Phase 1A activities of the Base Seattle modernization and homeporting program. Work includes dredging of Slip 36 and building two modernized major cutter berths capable of hosting PSCs.

The Coast Guard says that dredging is need to accommodate the PSC vessels and operations at the facility. Contaminated sediment will be removed and disposed, as required under the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act (CERCLA) and in accordance with an Environmental Protection Agency order.

It will be the largest CERCLA action and removal of hazardous substances in its history, the Coast Guard says.

Phase 1A will also widen the slip between berths 36B and 37B, upgrade berths 37A and 37B with modernized utilities capable of hosting two new PSCs, demolish an existing building, stabilize the waterfront at Berth 36B and recapitalize Station Seattle's small boat docks and boathouse.

The Coast Guard says it will award future contracts for phases 1B and 1C, which involves modernizing facilities and delivering four major cutter berths to support the service's growing fleet at Base Seattle.

This work at Base Seattle will allow the Coast Guard to conduct missions in the high latitudes and advance national security interests in the Arctic and Antarctic regions. The recently enacted One Big Beautiful Bill Act provides $4.3 billion to continue construction of the PSC fleet.

The FDCC is a field command under the Coast Guard Program Executive Office Shore (CG-SHORE), responsible for planning, design, procurement contracts, construction and facility commissioning.