Broken icebreaker, big price tag: Controversy over U.S. Coast Guard’s $125M purchase

ProPublica has published an in-depth investigation into the controversial purchase of the Aiviq, an icebreaking vessel with a history of design flaws and operational failures. The article details concerns surrounding the vessel’s reliability, the political pressures influencing the U.S. Coast Guard’s decision to acquire it and its broader implications for U.S. Arctic strategy.

• Originally built by Edison Chouest Offshore for Shell Oil’s Arctic drilling operations, the Aiviq gained notoriety after severe mechanical failures during its 2012 maiden voyage, leading to the grounding of Shell’s Kulluk drilling rig. A subsequent Coast Guard investigation identified design flaws and operational issues during the incident.
• Edison Chouest Offshore, the Aiviq’s owner, has contributed over $7 million to political campaigns, influencing lawmakers to advocate for the vessel’s acquisition. Congressional representatives, particularly from Alaska, pressured the Coast Guard to consider the Aiviq despite its troubled history.
• Initially resistant, the Coast Guard raised concerns about the Aiviq’s design and suitability for its fleet. Despite these reservations, the vessel was purchased for $125 million in late 2024 under significant political pressure.
• The Aiviq’s acquisition underscores the U.S.’s urgent need to strengthen its icebreaking capabilities amid increasing Arctic activity due to climate change. However, the decision raises questions about the role of political influence in defense procurement and the strategic effectiveness of the Aiviq in fulfilling its mission.