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12h ago

Converted Icebreaker USCGC Storis Joins U.S. Polar Fleet

Purchased for $125 million to bridge capability gaps, Storis will carry out Arctic patrols from Seattle until Alaska pier upgrades allow a permanent Juneau homeport.

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Photo by Annika Hirschler
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Overview

  • The medium cutter USCGC Storis was commissioned on August 10 in Juneau, marking the first new U.S. polar icebreaker since 1999.
  • Originally built as the commercial vessel Aiviq, the Coast Guard acquired Storis for $125 million and plans roughly $25 million in additional upgrades.
  • Storis increases the nation’s icebreaker fleet to three ships alongside USCGC Healy and Polar Star, enhancing year-round access to polar waters.
  • The vessel is tasked with securing Arctic shipping lanes, conducting search-and-rescue operations and enforcing U.S. laws in polar and sub-Arctic zones.
  • Congress has approved over $5 billion for new Arctic Security Cutters, but the first purpose-built Polar Security Cutter hull remains under construction with delivery expected in 2030.