N@N

This Icebreaker Has Design Problems and a History of Failure. It's America's Latest Military Vessel.

The article from ProPublica discusses the U.S. Coast Guard's acquisition of the Aiviq, a former oil industry icebreaker, to bolster its icebreaking capabilities in the Arctic. Originally built for Shell Oil to support drilling operations, the Aiviq was repurposed after Shell's Arctic drilling plans were abandoned. The Coast Guard, facing a shortage of icebreakers and the increasing strategic importance of the Arctic due to climate change, purchased the vessel for $10 million, significantly less than its original cost. The Aiviq, although not designed for military use, has been adapted for Coast Guard operations, including potential search and rescue missions, environmental protection, and national security tasks. However, its integration into the Coast Guard fleet has raised concerns about its suitability for military operations, its maintenance costs, and the overall strategy of the U.S. in Arctic maritime security. The article highlights the broader implications of this acquisition, including the geopolitical competition in the Arctic, the need for icebreaking capacity, and the challenges of adapting commercial vessels for government use.

Read the Full ProPublica Article at:
[ https://www.propublica.org/article/aiviq-icebreaker-military-coast-guard ]