Was acquiring the Aiviq polar vessel the right choice for the US Coast Guard?
Coast Guard Cutter Storis icebreaker. (Photo: US Coast Guard)
Previous structural and mechanical issues in the 20-plus year icebreaker might represent challenges for the service.
The recent procurement of the motor vessel Aiviq to plug capability gaps for the US Coast Guard (USCG) could bring additional challenges to the service. Nominated ‘Storis’ by the branch, the cutter has a record of structural and mechanical issues, which raised questions about whether it was the best choice for the service.
Built in 2012 to support oil operations, the 360-foot polar class 3-equivalent icebreaker had problems with its engines, propulsion system and towing shackle systems while operating on the coast of Alaska.
The USCG does not plan to conduct structural improvements to the platform, stressing that the “Storis has
Already have an account? Log in
Want to keep reading this article?
More from Naval Warfare
-
![US Navy selects 25 companies for up to $1.9 billion nuclear submarine contract]()
US Navy selects 25 companies for up to $1.9 billion nuclear submarine contract
The multi-award contract will support the scheduled repair and maintenance of nuclear-powered attack submarines at the US Navy’s primary public shipyards.
-
![Royal New Zealand Navy outlines modernisation goals]()
Royal New Zealand Navy outlines modernisation goals
The Royal New Zealand Navy (RNZN) has a crunch time coming up as it looks to refresh its fleet before 2040, and prepares to begin operating Sikorsky MH-60R helicopters, although it is at the back of a long ordering queue. A key part of any solution is looking at what neighbouring Australia is buying.
-
![US Coast Guard awards contracts for the construction of up to 150 aids to navigation vessels]()
US Coast Guard awards contracts for the construction of up to 150 aids to navigation vessels
Agreements with Inventech Marine Solutions and North River Boats cover the acquisition of trailerable aids to navigation boats and cutter boats - aids to navigation – small.
