US Coast Guard commissions first new polar icebreaker in over 25 years

The US Coast Guard (USCG) officially commissioned the cutter Storis, its first new polar icebreaker in over 25 years, in a ceremony held in Juneau, Alaska. The commissioning is part of a new, $25 billion investment package for the service, described as the largest in its history.

The Storis is a medium polar icebreaker intended to expand the US operational presence in the Arctic. The vessel was acquired to provide near-term operational presence as a bridging strategy while the new polar security cutter class is under construction.

The new funding package includes $4.3 billion for the polar security cutters and $3.5 billion for three new Arctic security cutters.

The vessel, formerly the anchor handling tug supply vessel Aiviq, was acquired by the USCG in December 2024 and subsequently renamed after modifications to its communication and defense capabilities. It will be temporarily berthed in Seattle, Washington, alongside the service's two other polar icebreakers until necessary infrastructure improvements are completed in Juneau.

Adm. Kevin Lunday, acting commandant of the USCG, stated that the commissioning of the Storis immediately strengthens the ability to secure and defend the US border and maritime approaches in the Arctic. The vessel is the second in Coast Guard history to bear the name Storis.