Nov. 25, 2024 —
The Coast Guard awarded a contract on Nov. 20 to Offshore Service Vessels, LLC, of Cut Off, Louisiana, to acquire a commercially available polar icebreaker to supplement mission readiness and capability in the polar regions. The firm fixed-price contract, with a total value of $125.0 million, includes delivery and reactivation of the M/V Aiviq, a 360-foot U.S.-built polar class 3-equivalent icebreaker. The contract also includes provisions for technical data, spares, necessary modifications, certifications, crew training, and operational readiness activities.
The Coast Guard is procuring a commercially available polar icebreaker to increase operational presence in the Arctic while the service awaits delivery of the polar security cutter (PSC) class. Coast Guard polar icebreakers are highly specialized vessels that possess the endurance, resilience and capability to execute a wide range of maritime safety and security missions.
The contract action is the product of a disciplined effort to identify a domestically produced commercially available polar icebreaker through industry outreach and engagement. This approach was made possible through direction and statutory relief provided in the Don Young Coast Guard Authorization Act of 2022 and funding appropriated in fiscal year 2024.
With minimal modifications, the commercially available polar icebreaker will be capable of projecting U.S. sovereignty in the Arctic and conducting select Coast Guard missions. The service will evaluate the vessel’s current condition and capability and identify requirements to attain full operational capability.
The Coast Guard intends to permanently homeport the vessel in Juneau, Alaska, and is planning infrastructure improvements to support future operations. In the interim, the service is evaluating options to temporarily homeport the commercially available polar icebreaker.
Acquisition of a commercially available polar icebreaker does not affect the acquisition of the PSCs, and the vessel will not be included in the PSC program of record. The Coast Guard needs a mix of eight to nine polar icebreakers to meet operational needs in the polar regions. The commercially available polar icebreaker will supplement these operational capabilities and provide much-needed operational presence in the near term as a bridging strategy to address maritime interests in support of national security until the full complement of PSCs is available.
For more information on the PSC class: Polar Security Cutter Program page