US Coast Guard awaits $350 million to acquire icebreakers
The Cutter Polar Star was commissioned in the 1970s and has been in operation for more than 30 years. (Photo: US Coast Guard)
The service has declared its intention to purchase an existing commercially available polar vessel, a new Great Lakes icebreaker and Polar Security Cutters.
Keen to improve its polar capabilities, the US Coast Guard has been waiting for a decision from the US Congress regarding the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) budget proposal for FY2024. The service has requested US$350 million to acquire icebreakers.
The request comprised $125 million to cover the purchase of an existing commercially available polar vessel (CAPI) and $55 million as initial procurement funding for a new Great Lakes icebreaker (GLIB) with similar features to the in-service Mackinaw heavy vessel.
Another $170 million was requested to enable the branch to progress with the Polar Security Cutter (PSC) programme, which comprises
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