The Aiviq and Nanuq tandem tow the mobile drilling unit Kulluk 116 miles southwest of Kodiak City, Alaska, Sunday, Dec. 30, 2012. The vessels attempting to tow the Kulluk to a sheltered area but weather conditions, including 29 mph winds and 20-foot seas, have prevented them from taking the necessary northernly course. Coast Guard photo by Petty Officer 3rd Class Chris Usher.
By: FEDweek StaffThe Coast Guard has selected Juneau, Alaska, as the future homeport for an icebreaker the service will acquire from a private business. The vessel, named Aiviq, had been used commercially for oil exploration in the Arctic. Modifications will bolster its inherent capabilities to the point where it will be suitable for medium icebreaking missions.
“The United States is an Arctic nation and the Coast Guard is vital to providing presence in our sovereign waters and the polar regions,” Vice Commandant Adm. Kevin Lunday said. “As we continue to build the polar security cutters, acquiring a commercially available polar icebreaker will enable the Coast Guard to increase our national presence in the Arctic, and homeporting this cutter in Alaska demonstrates the service’s steadfast commitment to the region.”
The Coast Guard used $125 million in appropriated funds to purchase the Aiviq – considered to be the only such vessel that meets the service’s icebreaking standards. The ship should be ready to enter service in two years. The Coast Guard now operates two icebreaker cutters – the medium polar icebreaker Healy and the heavy cutter Polar Star.
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