US Coast Guard's first polar icebreaker in more than 25 years departs on maiden voyage

The US Coast Guard cutter Storis (WAGB 21), the service’s first polar icebreaker acquired in more than 25 years, departed on its maiden voyage on June 5 to conduct coast guard missions and safeguard US sovereign interests in the Arctic, according to a statement from the US Coast Guard.

Storis, formerly the anchor handling tug supply vessel Aiviq, was acquired in December 2024 from a subsidiary of Edison Chouest Offshore. Following its acquisition, the coast guard said the vessel underwent modifications to improve communications and self-defence systems.