The U.S. Coast Guard has entered into a significant agreement with Offshore Service Vessels LLC to provide an icebreaker ship as part of a $125 million project aimed at enhancing operations in polar regions. The Louisiana-based maritime transportation company will reactivate the MV Aiviq, an anchor-handling tug supply vessel, which will undergo necessary modifications and supply essential technical data, spare parts, certifications, and training.
The MV Aiviq is set to play a crucial role in bolstering the Coast Guard’s operational presence in the Arctic, particularly as it awaits the arrival of a new fleet of Polar Security Cutters (PSCs) expected to replace the current heavy and medium icebreaker vessels by the 2030s. This initiative is part of a broader collaboration known as the Icebreaker Collaboration Effort (ICE Pact) involving the United States, Canada, and Finland, focusing on improving maritime security in the Arctic zone.
The Coast Guard has emphasized that the decision to acquire the MV Aiviq reflects a systematic approach to identifying a domestically produced, commercially available polar icebreaker through extensive industry outreach. With only minimal alterations required, the MV Aiviq is expected to be capable of projecting U.S. sovereignty in the Arctic while performing specific Coast Guard missions. A thorough evaluation of the vessel’s current condition and capability will be conducted to determine what must be implemented to achieve full operational readiness.
Originally built in 2010, the MV Aiviq was designed for various functions, including oil exploration, drilling, spill response, and towing operations. Measuring 360 feet (approximately 110 meters), the vessel has the capacity to accommodate around 60 personnel, in addition to housing a helicopter for various mission needs. It is powered by four Caterpillar engines, allowing it to reach a top speed of 15 knots (17 miles/28 kilometers per hour) in open water, while it can navigate at about 5 knots (6 miles/9 kilometers per hour) on ice.
Once modifications and preparations are complete, the MV Aiviq will be deployed to its designated homeport in Juneau, Alaska, marking a significant advancement in the U.S. Coast Guard’s capabilities to operate in the challenging polar environments.
