USCG’s icebreaker fleet needs to be upgraded by 2020

The US Coast Guard’s (USCG) existing fleet of two Arctic-class icebreakers, the Healy and the Polar Star, can survive for about more six years, according to the agency’s new Alaska chief.

Rear admiral Daniel Abel told US Arctic Research Commission: "Currently, the Coast Guard feels that the inventory that we have, between the Polar Star and the Healy, provides the minimum capability that we need to get us to about 2020."

Currently operational in Antarctica, the heavy Arctic-class icebreaker Polar Star can cut through six-feet of sea ice on travel at a stable 3k speed, while break through 20ft thick ice when rammed with complete thrust.

The USCG’s medium Arctic-class icebreaker, the Healy has completed a summer task off Arctic Alaska and can ram through 12ft thick layers.

Abel, noted that Healy is about halfway through its anticipated 30-year service life, while the Polar Star has already completed its 30-year service life, reported Alaska Dispatch News.

Further, the USCG estimates that the icebreaker replacement costs would now fetch roughly to $1bn.

The USCG also has a third icebreaker, the Polar Sea, which is currently dormant.

Abel added: "Maintaining her status quo will take $8 million to keep her in status of being non-commissioned and not in service.

"If we were to reactivate her, it would take a significant investment.

"We would also have to re-crew her, which is about 140 people."