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
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