U.S. Signs Contracts With Foreign and Domestic Builders to Finally Launch Long-Delayed Icebreaker Fleet Overhaul The United States Coast Guard has signed contracts with Finland’s Rauma Marine Constructions and Louisiana’s Bollinger Shipyards to build six Arctic Security Cutter icebreakers, marking the culmination of a decades-long effort to modernize its aging icebreaker fleet. Two ships will be built in Finland for delivery in 2028. Four more vessels will follow in the United States, with the first domestic cutter due in 2029.
U.S. Icebreaker Healy Wraps up Four-Month Patrol of Arctic, Countering Growing Chinese Presence U.S. Coast Guard icebreakersHealyandStorisconducted 129-day and 112-day Arctic deployments this summer. A substantial presence increase over previous summers. Both vessels monitored growing vessel activity in the region with five Chinese research vessels operating in the waters around Alaska.
Finnish and Canadian Firms Partner with American Shipyard to Pitch Icebreaker Design for U.S. Coast Guard Within weeks of securing funding to build around a half dozen new icebreakers several U.S. shipyards as well as builders in Canada and Finland have thrown their hats in the ring to construct the new vessels for the U.S. Coast Guard. The capabilities of the different icebreaker designs and political considerations will likely determine which consortium is awarded a contract.
U.S. Looking to Acquire ‘Fennica’ Icebreaker from Finland, Order Several New Ones The U.S. government is in negotiations to purchase several icebreakers from Finland, including construction of new vessels and possibly the 33-year oldFennica.The news follows ongoing developments in the global icebreaker market with both Canadian and Finnish yards recently launching new projects.
U.S. Coast Guard’s New Icebreaker ’Storis’ Departs on Maiden Voyage Bolstering Presence in Arctic The U.S. Coast Guard has taken a first key step in strengthening its Arctic posture. IcebreakerStorisis joining the USCG fleet after a six months conversion process to turn the commercial ice-capable supply vessel into an icebreaker. The vessel will be a key interim asset while the U.S. awaits construction of the new heavy polar icebreaker.
U.S. Coast Guard Starts Construction of First New Heavy Icebreaker in 50 Years A decade in the making the U.S. Coast Guard is set to finally begin work on its first heavy icebreaker in 50 years. Construction is expected to take a minimum of five years, though additional delays could push delivery in the 2030s.
“Icebreaking Gap” Will Require Coast Guard to Acquire Commercial Icebreaker Says New US Arctic Plan A new implementation plan for the US Coast Guard’s Arctic strategy clears a path for acquisition of a commercial icebreaker to overcome the “icebreaking capacity gap.” The report also calls for expanded exercises and operations in the Arctic, which in conjunction with a new White House Arctic plan may indicate plans for a future Freedom of Navigation Operation in the region.
US Icebreaker Healy On Succesful Research Voyage in the Siberian Arctic Tromsø (High North News): The US' largest and most technologically advanced coast guard vessel, the icebreaker USCGC Healy, has visited Tromsø after an international research voyage in the Eastern Arctic Ocean. In previous years, this voyage has been conducted with Russian icebreakers.
USA's Largest Icebreaker to Northern Norway in October The US's largest coast guard ship and icebreaker,USCGC Healy, will arrive in Tromsø at the beginning of October.
USA's Largest Icebreaker to Northern Norway in October The US's largest coast guard ship and icebreaker,USCGC Healy, will arrive in Tromsø at the beginning of October.
US Coast Guard Icebreaker Sails in Proximity to Russia’s Northern Sea Route A US science mission has taken Coast Guard icebreakerHealyinto the East Siberian Sea in proximity to cargo vessels transiting Russia’s Arctic waters. Automatic Identification System data suggest the vessel has entered what Russia considers the waters of its Northern Sea Route, though experts caution that it is too early to draw conclusions.
Steel Cutting for New US Icebreaker Begins, But Delays Continue to Stack Up Says New Government Report The US Coast Guard icebreaker program continues to move forward, albeit far behind the original timeline. Steel cutting on prototype modules began earlier this month, but a new Government Accountability Office report pushes readiness of the first vessel into 2028 – with additional delays possible.
Impact of New EU Sanctions Targeting Russian Nuclear Icebreakers Will Be Limited New EU sanctions target Atomflot, the operator of Russia’s nuclear icebreaker fleet. The impact on the country’s ability to build additional icebreakers remains to be seen, say Arctic experts.
China To Build New Heavy Icebreaker and Lift Vessel for Arctic In a policy note China lays out steps for a new heavy icebreaker, improved Arctic rescue capacity, and a semi-submersible heavy lift vessel. Officials call for design plans to be finalized within 3-5 years.
Estonian Icebreaker Botnica Embarks on Voyage to the Canadian Arctic The Estonian icebreaker Botnica set out on a voyage to the Canadian Arctic on Sunday to provide its services to a mining company extracting iron ore near the port of Milne Inlet.
Canada to Build Two New Icebreakers The Canadian Government announces construction of two polar icebreakers. The icebreakers will enhance Canada’s Arctic presence and generate jobs at Canadian shipyards, the Governent says.
Russia considers extended claim to the Arctic seabed Two Russian vessels have collected new data in the Arctic Ocean between Canada, Greenland and the North Pole - far from Russia’s existing claim.
Arctic Cargo Ship Violates Safety Rules Prompting Month-Long Rescue Operation An Arctic cargo ship,Sparta III, violated safety rules and sailed into unsafe ice conditions. It took nearly four weeks, several icebreakers and rescue ships to escort it to safety.
Russia Begins Construction on Fifth Nuclear Icebreaker as Arctic Sees Record Shipping Traffic Shipping activity in the Arctic continues to grow unabated even as shipping traffic in other parts of the world saw declining volumes as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic. Russia’s Northern Sea Route saw record cargo volume and transits and the country began construction on another nuclear icebreaker, the fifth of theArktika-class.
U.S. Steps Up Arctic Engagement as Congress Authorizes Three Additional Polar Icebreakers In a bipartisan effort the U.S. Congress has passed legislation that will substantially upgrade the Coast Guard’s capabilities, including in the Arctic with three additional Polar Security Cutters.
Russia's New Super Icebreaker Reaches North Pole During Ice Trials Russia’s future flagship icebreakerArktikareached the North Pole during its first sea ice tests. The vessel is the world’s most powerful icebreaker and the first of five new nuclear icebreakers of this type.
U.S. Cancels All Arctic Operations After Icebreaker Healy Suffers Engine Fire The U.S. Coast Guard has canceled its Arctic patrol mission after the icebreakerHealyexperienced an engine room fire. This leaves the U.S. without surface vessel presence in the region during the summer of 2020, highlighting the country’s limited icebreaking capabilities.
U.S. Looking to Acquire 10 Additional Icebreakers, Possibly from Finland Following controversial remarks about “buying Greenland” last year, President Trump again offers off the cuff comments about U.S. policy in the region suggesting the country will get ten new icebreakers.
U.S. to Speed Up Its Icebreaker Program, May Develop Nuclear Arctic Vessels The U.S. government aims to accelerate its Arctic icebreaker program and is evaluating the need for armed vessels and the feasibility of constructing nuclear icebreakers.
As Arctic Ice Melts Russia Conducts Record-Breaking Delivery of LNG to China Russia is one step closer to achieving year-round navigation in the Arctic. An ice-capable tanker made the earliest delivery of LNG to China via the Northern Sea Route.
MOSAiC Expedition Relief Ships Arrive In Svalbard, Awaiting Arrival of Polarstern The MOSAiC Arctic Expedition continues to overcome logistical challenges as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic. Two research vessels,RV SonneandRV Maria S. Merian, carrying supplies and new crew and scientists arrived near Svalbard this weekend and will meet up with theRV Polarsternduring the last week of May.
Russia’s Rosatom and Zvezda Shipyard Sign Contract for World’s Largest Nuclear Icebreaker TheLeader-class nuclear icebreaker is designed to ensure year-round navigation on the eastern parts of the Northern Sea Route by 2027. Questions remain about the project’s ambitious timeline as Russia’s nuclear icebreaker program has faced ongoing delays and technical issues in recent years.
Social Distancing at the North Pole: How the Corona Pandemic Affects Ice-bound Arctic Scientists The impacts of Covid-19 are now felt at the North Pole. Planned aerial surveys and resupply flights have been cancelled to protect scientists aboard thePolarsternicebreaker near the North Pole.
Russia Plans to Commission New Arktika Icebreaker Despite Faulty Propulsion Motor A damaged propulsion motor will limit the power and abilities of Russia’s newest nuclear icebreaker until a permanent repair can be carried out in 2021.
US Coast Guard Requests Funding for Second New Icebreaker A year after securing funding for its first new heavy icebreaker in over 40 years, the 2021 Coast Guard budget includes $555 million for a second one.
China Reveals Details of Newly Designed Heavy Icebreaker China aims to further expand its icebreaking capabilities and revealed initial design details for its first heavy polar icebreaker.
Russia's Brand New Nuclear Icebreaker “Arktika” to Begin Sea Trials Russia’s new flagship icebreakerArktikanears commissioning heralding an era of modernized nuclear icebreaking capabilities. The country also launched the first vessel in a series of armed patrol icebreakers further expanding its military assets in the region.
Russia’s Rosatomflot Launches Third New Nuclear Icebreaker Russia further cements its position as world’s largest operator of icebreakers. With this week’s launch of Ural the country has constructed three massive nuclear icebreaker in less than six years.
U.S. Will Not Increase Presence in Arctic Until 2025 The U.S. new icebreaker will only rarely travel to the Arctic, Coast Guard Commandant says. At the same time National Security Advisor says the U.S. will challenge Russia’s military influence in the region. Are the U.S. Arctic ambitions all bark and no bite?
U.S. Renews Warning Against China in Arctic, Releases New Details on Icebreaker Just days after Secretary of State Pompeo warned about Russia’s and China’s activity in the Arctic during the Arctic Council meeting, U.S. military officials renewed comments about security threats in the region. The U.S. Coast Guard aims to respond to those challenges with a fleet of new icebreakers.
U.S. Coast Guard Awards Contract for New Polar Class Icebreaker The U.S. Coast Guard finally looks set to procure a new heavy icebreaker. But the first roadblocks, including questions about a low-price offer and lack of technical know-how, appear on the horizon.
China to Use First Atomic Icebreaker as Test for Future Nuclear Aircraft Carriers The country’s first atomic icebreaker will rival Russia’s largest nuclear icebreakers in size. China will become only the second country to operate such a vessel and it will pave the way for the country’s first nuclear aircraft carriers.
Economic Interests May Trump Shipping Safety as Russia Seeks to Reduce Ice-Class Requirements The Russian Ministry of Transport has proposed a significant softening of ice-class requirements on the Northern Sea Route. The change, proposed to go into effect in May 2019, would benefit the country’s largest independent natural gas producer Novatek. The company operates the vast Yamal LNG facility and relies on the route to export its cargo.
Rosatom Comments on Status of Floating Nuclear Power Plant - But Questions Remain In an interview with High North News, Rosatom answered questions about the status of its Floating Nuclear Power Plant, but some questions regarding the safety of Akademik Lomonosov remain. The plant is scheduled to be towed to the Arctic port of Pevek and begin electricity generation by the end of 2019.
Dark Skies for America’s Future Icebreaker Fleet A new report published by the U.S. Government Accountability Office (GAO) casts a dark cloud over the icy shimmer of hope that the Coast Guard will be able to deliver on its 2023 icebreaker promise.
Maersk Container Ship Transits Arctic Ocean With Icebreaker Escort Danish shipping giant Maersk is about to complete the first-ever transit of the Arctic Ocean by a container ship. The Venta Maersk traveled through ice-covered waters with the help of a nuclear icebreaker and is expected in Europe within a week.
