Edison Chouest Completes Sale of Icebreaker Aiviq to the U.S. Coast Guard
U.S. Coast Guard Acquires Icebreaker Aiviq
The U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) has officially acquired the icebreaker Aiviq from Edison Chouest, marking the completion of a long-discussed transaction that began eight years ago. This acquisition is significant for the Coast Guard, as it enhances their operational capabilities in the Arctic region. The purchase comes at a time when the need for icebreaking vessels is critical for national security and sovereignty in the increasingly strategic Arctic waters.
Details of the Acquisition
The USCG finalized the purchase of Aiviq on December 11, 2023, after initially opposing the idea of acquiring a commercial icebreaker for government missions. However, the Coast Guard budgeted for the vessel’s purchase in the Fiscal Year 2024 budget. The total cost of the acquisition is $125 million, which includes reactivation, delivery, spare parts, vessel modifications, and crew training. This funding was made possible through line-item appropriations from Congress.
Once the icebreaker is reactivated, it will undergo a thorough evaluation to assess its condition and determine the requirements needed to achieve full operational capability. Aiviq was originally built in 2012 as an icebreaking anchor-handler for Shell’s Arctic offshore drilling program. However, the vessel faced challenges early in its service, including a significant incident in December 2012 when it lost power in rough seas due to fuel contamination. This incident led to the grounding and eventual scrapping of its tow.
Despite its troubled past, the Coast Guard views Aiviq as a “bridging strategy” until the delivery of the Polar Security Cutter (PSC), the future heavy icebreaker designed specifically for government missions. The acquisition of Aiviq will allow the Coast Guard to maintain its operational presence in the Arctic during this interim period.
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Renaming and Future Operations
Upon commissioning, Aiviq will be renamed USCGC Storis, honoring a historic icebreaker that served in Alaska for many years. The original Storis, known as the “Galloping Ghost of the Alaskan Coast,” had a storied history of conducting icebreaking operations, including a notable transit of the Northwest Passage. This renaming symbolizes the Coast Guard’s commitment to its legacy of Arctic operations and its ongoing mission to assert U.S. sovereignty in the region.
Admiral Linda Fagan, commandant of the Coast Guard, emphasized the importance of this acquisition, stating, “This acquisition is a vital step in increasing our operational presence in the Arctic.” The future USCGC Storis will play a crucial role in supporting various Coast Guard missions until the PSC is delivered. Once reactivated, the vessel will temporarily relocate to a new homeport before eventually being based at a new pier in Juneau, Alaska.
The acquisition of Aiviq reflects the Coast Guard’s evolving strategy to enhance its capabilities in the Arctic, a region that is becoming increasingly important for national security and environmental considerations. As climate change continues to open new shipping routes and access to natural resources, the need for effective icebreaking capabilities will only grow. The USCG is committed to ensuring that it is prepared to meet these challenges head-on.
