The US Coast Guard has accepted ownership of the Aiviq, a 360-foot (110-metre) polar class 3-equivalent icebreaker, from an Edison Chouest Offshore subsidiary Friday.
The vessel, acquired on December 11, will represent a stopgap measure to enhance US operational presence in the Arctic and support coast guard missions while awaiting delivery of the Polar Security Cutter (PSC) class.
Upon commissioning, the ship will be renamed Storis (WAGB 21), marking the second cutter to bear that name. The original Storis, known as the “Galloping Ghost of the Alaskan Coast,” had a storied history conducting icebreaking operations in Alaska and the Arctic.
“This acquisition is a vital step in increasing our operational presence in the Arctic,” said Adm. Linda Fagan, commandant of the Coast Guard. “The future Coast Guard Cutter Storis builds on our legacy of Arctic operations and underscores our commitment to asserting US sovereignty and supporting national security in the region.”
The $125 million firm fixed-price contract with Offshore Service Vessels, based in Cut Off, Louisiana, includes delivery, reactivation, technical data, spares, certifications, modifications, crew training and operational readiness activities.
The vessel will eventually relocate to its permanent homeport in Juneau, Alaska, following necessary shore infrastructure improvements. Temporary homeport options are currently under evaluation.
The coast guard said it requires a fleet of eight to nine polar icebreakers to meet operational needs in polar regions.