Aiviq becomes USCGC Storis, to be based in Juneau
![The Coast Guard on Dec. 20 completed acceptance of the motor vessel Aiviq from an Edison Chouest Offshore subsidiary. The vessel, acquired Dec. 11 through a $125 million firm fixed-price contract award to Offshore Service Vessels of Cut Off, Louisiana, will enhance U.S. operational presence in the Arctic and support Coast Guard missions while awaiting delivery of the polar security cutter (PSC) class.) [Credit: Edison Chouest Offshore]](https://images.marinelink.com/images/maritime/w200h200c/the-coast-guard-on-dec-156960.jpg)
The Coast Guard gets its first new polar icebreaker in more than 25 years.The Coast Guard has accepted its first new polar icebreaker in more than 25 years, but itâs not really new. The 12,900-ton, 360-foot Anchor Handling Tug Support Ship (AHTS) Aiviq was acquired by the Coast Guard and renamed USCGC Storis (WAGB 21).According to a Coast Guard statement, âOn Nov. 20, the Coast Guard purchased the M/V Aiviq, a 360-foot U.S.-built polar class 3-equivalent icebreaker for $125 million in a deal with Offshore Surface Vessels LLC.
Royal Canadian Navy Vessel to Visit Antarctica
![Source: Government of Canada](https://images.marinelink.com/images/maritime/w200h200c/source-government-of-canada-156089.jpg)
On January 10, the Royal Canadian Navyâs HMCS Margaret Brooke departed Halifax, Canada, on an historic mission - the first circumnavigation of South America and first visit to Antarctica by a Royal Canadian Navy vessel.As part of Operation PROJECTION â South America, the Harry DeWolf-class Arctic Offshore Patrol Vessel (AOPV) will visit ports across South America to strengthen international relationships in collaboration with Global Affairs Canada. While in Antarctica, the ship will support Canadian scientific researchâŠ
For Those with Saltwater in Their Veins
![Source: Friends of Nella Dan](https://images.marinelink.com/images/maritime/w200h200c/source-friends-of-nella-dan-155638.jpg)
The Scythian philosopher Anacharsis (6th century B.C.) said: âThere are three sorts of people: those who are alive, those who are dead and those who are at sea.âMany of those onboard the Nella Dan when she grounded in December 1987 never went to sea again. Such was their passion for the ship.At that time, most of the crew were single, a wild bunch with saltwater in their veins, likely to be found partying together during their time ashore and likely to be telling everyone how Nella Dan was always the first to get to Antarctica at the start of the season despite her newerâŠ
Paul Watson Walks Free
![Source: Paul Watson Foundation](https://images.marinelink.com/images/maritime/w200h200c/source-paul-watson-foundation-155538.jpg)
Denmark released anti-whaling activist Paul Watson from detention on Tuesday and said it had rejected a Japanese request to extradite him over criminal charges dating back more than a decade.U.S.-Canadian Watson, 74, founder of the Sea Shepherd conservationist group and the Captain Paul Watson Foundation, was released in Greenland's capital Nuuk, police in the autonomous Danish territory said.Watson was apprehended when his ship docked in Greenland in July."I'm certainly relievedâŠ
60 Graduate from the Ushuaia Merchant Marine Training and Education School
The school year at the Ushuaia Merchant Marine Training and Education School for Embarking Personnel (EFOCAPEMM) has concluded, with the graduation of 60 students, in training provided by the Argentine Naval Prefecture.The event was chaired by the School Director, Prefect Cristian Alejandro Sarasua, who was accompanied by National Deputy Carolina Yutrovic, Councilor Dr. Daiana Freiberger and the Secretary of Government of the Municipality of Ushuaia, Dr. CĂ©sar Molina OlguĂn.The graduates specialized in various disciplines: nurse, sailor, engine assistant, professional motorcyclist captain of the second and third special zones, and special zone sailors.In additionâŠ
USCG Icebreaking Vessel Polar Star Sets Sail for Antarctica
![The Coast Guard Ice Breaker Polar Sea works the ice channel near McMurdo, Antarctica. USCG photo by Rob Rothway](https://images.marinelink.com/images/maritime/w200h200c/the-coast-guard-ice-breaker-155002.jpg)
As the U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Polar Star (WAGB 10) and crew departed Seattle recently for its deployment to Antarctica in support of Operation Deep Freeze, all eyes come back around to the U.S. icebreaking fleet, or lack thereof, as the nation and its allies work to help build the fleet to be larger and stronger than ever, facing potential national security threats that come with a strong Russian and Chinese presence in the polar regions.Click here to read about "U.S. Polar SecurityâŠ
HX Launches Education Program for Antarctic Passengers
![Source: HX](https://images.marinelink.com/images/maritime/w200h200c/source-hx-154716.jpg)
HX (formerly known as Hurtigruten Expeditions) has partnered with the University of Tasmania, Australia, and its Institute for Marine and Antarctic Studies (IMAS) on a training program for Antarctic cruise passengers.For the first time, HXâs guests and expedition teams will have the opportunity to explore Antarctic and polar science with world-leading researchers in a university-developed program that blends immersive learning with real-world experiences â with the online courseâŠ
Denmark Still Deciding on Paul Watsonâs Fate
![Source: Captain Paul Watson Foundation](https://images.marinelink.com/images/maritime/w200h200c/source-captain-paul-watson-foundation-154685.png)
Anti-whaling activist Paul Watson will remain in detention in Greenland while Denmark decides whether to extradite him to Japan, police in the autonomous Danish territory said on Wednesday.The 73-year-old U.S.-Canadian, founder of the Sea Shepherd conservationist group and the Captain Paul Watson Foundation, was taken into custody by police when his ship docked at the port of Nuuk on July 21.Watson will remain in detention until Dec. 4, police said in a statement."It is unfortunately as expectedâŠ
Greenland Court Extends Detention for Anti-whaling Activist Watson
![© bennymarty / Adobe Stock](https://images.marinelink.com/images/maritime/w200h200c/bennymarty-adobe-stock-154101.jpeg)
Anti-whaling activist Paul Watson will remain in detention in Greenland where he has been held since July while Denmark decides whether to extradite him to Japan, local police said on Wednesday.U.S.-Canadian Watson, 73, founder of the Sea Shepherd conservationist group and of the Captain Paul Watson Foundation, was apprehended by police in the Danish autonomous region when his ship docked at the port of Nuuk on July 21."We continue to fight for the case to be concluded," his lawyer Jonas Christoffersen told ReutersâŠ
Anti-whaling Activist Watson Requests Political Asylum in France
![Paul Watson (Photo: Captain Paul Watson Foundation)](https://images.marinelink.com/images/maritime/w200h200c/paul-watson-photo-captain-paul-153936.png)
Anti-whaling activist Paul Watson, detained in Greenland and awaiting possible extradition to Japan, has appealed to President Emmanuel Macron for political asylum in France his Captain Paul Watson Foundation said on Wednesday.US.-Canadian Watson, 73, founder of the Sea Shepherd conservationist group, was stopped by police when his ship docked at the port of Nuuk in Greenland on July 21.He has since been detained in Greenland, a Danish autonomous region, while Denmark decides whether to extradite him to Japan.Japan issued an international warrant for his arrest more than a decade agoâŠ
Anti-whaling Activist Watson to Stay in Greenland Detention
![© Adam Calaitzis / Adobe Stock](https://images.marinelink.com/images/maritime/w200h200c/adam-calaitzis-adobe-stock-152927.jpeg)
Anti-whaling activist Paul Watson will remain in detention in the Danish autonomous territory of Greenland where he has been held since July, while Denmark decides whether to extradite him to Japan, a local court ruled on Wednesday.U.S.-Canadian Watson, 73, founder of the Sea Shepherd conservationist group and of the Captain Paul Watson Foundation, was apprehended by police when his ship docked at the port of Nuuk on July 21.Watson will remain in detention until Oct.
US Coast Guard Icebreaker Healy Returns to Seattle Following Onboard Fire
![The U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Healy (WAGB 20) returns to Seattle following a two-month Arctic patrol, Aug. 16, 2024. (Photo: Taylor Tracy / U.S. Coast Guard)](https://images.marinelink.com/images/maritime/w200h200c/the-us-coast-guard-cutter-152519.jpg)
The U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Healy (WAGB 20) has returned to Seattle following an onboard fire that occurred during a scientific research expedition in the Arctic Ocean. The incident took place on July 25, 2024, while the vessel was navigating near Banks Island in the Northwest Territories of Canada.The fire, which broke out in an electrical transformer affecting one of the shipâs two main propulsion motors, was quickly extinguished by the crew. No injuries were reported. Following the incident, the crew and contractors worked to restore power to the affected motor.
Denmark Holds Anti-whaling Activist Paul Watson in Greenland as It Mulls Extradition to Japan
![© FiledIMAGE / Adobe Stock](https://images.marinelink.com/images/maritime/w200h200c/filedimage-adobe-stock-152437.jpeg)
Anti-whaling activist Paul Watson will remain in detention in Greenland after he was arrested in the Danish autonomous territory last month, while Denmark decides whether to extradite him to Japan, a local court ruled on Thursday.U.S.-Canadian Watson, 73, founder of the Sea Shepherd conservationist group and of the Captain Paul Watson Foundation, was apprehended by police when his ship docked at the port of Nuuk on July 21.Watson will remain in detention until Sept.
Japan Seeks Extradition of Anti-whaling Activist Apprehended in Denmark
![Paul Watson was apprehended by the Arctic island's police when his ship docked at the port of Nuuk in July. (Photo: Captain Paul Watson Foundation)](https://images.marinelink.com/images/maritime/w200h200c/paul-watson-was-apprehended-by-152093.jpeg)
Japan is seeking the extradition of a U.S.-Canadian anti-whaling activist, who has been held in custody in Greenland since July 21, Danish and Japanese authorities said on Thursday.Denmark has previously said Japan was seeking Paul Watson - founder of the Sea Shepherd activist group and the Captain Paul Watson Foundation - on charges of breaking into a Japanese vessel in the Antarctic Ocean in 2010, obstructing the boat's business and causing injury as well as property damage.WatsonâŠ
Japanese Whaler Says It's Not Planning to Hunt in Antarctic
![](https://images.marinelink.com/images/maritime/w200h200c/-150593.jpeg)
The operator of Japan's first domestically-built whaling mothership in more than seven decades said on Thursday it had no plans to send the whaler to the Antarctic Ocean, although the new vessel is capable of reaching the region.The 7.5 billion yen ($48 million) Kangei Maru, whose construction was completed less than two months ago, has a cruising range of 7,000 nautical miles."This ship is designed to be able to go to the Antarctic Ocean. But we won't be going to the Antarctic as long as we are engaged in commercial whalingâŠ
Russia Steps in After India Drops Safety Cover for Sanctioned Vessels
![© broccoli.studio / Adobe Stock](https://images.marinelink.com/images/maritime/w200h200c/broccolistudio-adobe-stock-150084.jpeg)
India's ship certification agency has withdrawn safety cover issued to Russian oil tankers that have been placed under U.S. sanctions, according to its website, with the vessels instead turning to a domestic provider.Major insurers and ship engine makers have already withdrawn cover for Russia's tanker fleet, which Moscow is relying on to maintain the country's oil trade after Washington and its allies including the European Union imposed a raft of sanctions for its invasionâŠ
ABB to Power First South American Built Hybrid-electric Polar Expedition Cruise Ship
![(Image: Antarctica21)](https://images.marinelink.com/images/maritime/w200h200c/image-antarctica21-147845.jpg)
ABB has been selected by the Astilleros y Servicios Navales S.A. (ASENAV) shipyard based in Chile to provide a power and propulsion system for Antarctica21âs newbuild boutique expedition ship Magellan Discoverer. Due for delivery in 2026, the vessel is the first hybrid-electric polar cruise ship featuring Azipod propulsion to be built in the Americas. Accommodating up to 96 passengers and 67 crew members, the vessel will be operating in the Antarctic Peninsula, South Georgia andâŠ
RRS Sir David Attenborough Begins Research Mission in the Southern Ocean
![(Photo: British Antarctic Survey)](https://images.marinelink.com/images/maritime/w200h200c/photo-british-antarctic-survey-147139.jpg)
Scientists aboard Britain's high-tech polar research vessel RRS Sir David Attenborough are headed to the Weddell Sea to investigate how carbon dioxide moves and transforms in the Southern Ocean.The ship departed Tuesday from Punta Arenas, Chile for the 30-day scientific expedition.As the carbon in the seawater rises to the surface near Antarctica, it interacts with the atmosphere, ice, and microscopic plants and animals, called phytoplankton and zooplankton, near the ocean surface, before descending to the ocean depths.
Hunt Valve to Equip USCG Polar Security Cutter
![(Image: U.S. Coast Guard)](https://images.marinelink.com/images/maritime/w200h200c/image-us-coast-guard-146791.jpg)
Fairbanks Morse Defense (FMD), a portfolio company of Arcline Investment Management (Arcline), announced it has been awarded a purchase order to provide motor-operated valves (MOVs) through Hunt Valve for the U.S. Coast Guardâs (USCG) Polar Sentinel (WMSP-21). The cutter is the first of three multi-mission vessels that will comprise the Polar Security Cutter program, which is intended to supplement the USCGâs missions in the Arctic as well as Operation Deep Freeze in the Antarctic.âEvery ship has a crucial role to play in advancing American interests at seaâŠ
FINLAND: âA Birthplace for Icebreakersâ
![Captain Pasi JĂ€rvelin on the bridge of Arctia icebreaker Polaris. JĂ€rvelin has more than 40 yearsâ experience in the maritime industry, including 36 years on icebreakers, and was part of the concept team that developed the vessel. (Photo: Eric Haun)](https://images.marinelink.com/images/maritime/w200h200c/captain-pasi-jrvelin-on-the-145881.jpg)
Finnish companies have designed about 80 percent of the worldâs icebreakers, and about 60 percent of them have been built by Finnish shipyards.Finland is home to a strong and vibrant maritime cluster, with a mix of large, medium and small shipyards, as well as a deep pool of marine engineering expertise and a broad network of vessel equipment suppliers.As one of the worldâs northernmost countries, Finland is also home to a fleet of icebreakers that keep imports and exports flowing through its harbors, even during the coldest winter months.
Engine Room Fire Investigation Highlights Due Diligence Failings
![Source: ATSB](https://images.marinelink.com/images/maritime/w200h200c/source-atsb-145769.jpg)
A fire on board a multi-purpose vessel chartered by the Australian Antarctic Division (AAD) while transiting the Southern Ocean highlights the risks and challenges of operating in harsh, remote conditions.On April 5, 2021, the 145 meter MPV Everest was en route from Antarctica to Hobart with 37 crew and 72 Australian Antarctic Division (AAD) staff on board when a fire broke out in its port engine room.The fire was contained and eventually extinguished using the engine room water mist fixed fire-extinguishing system after about 2.5 hoursâŠ
Biggest Chinese Antarctic Fleet Sets Off to Build Research Station
![Credit: Timo Palo - Wikimedia Commons - CC BY-SA 3.0 DEED](https://images.marinelink.com/images/maritime/w200h200c/credit-timo-palo-wikimedia-commons-145198.jpg)
Two Chinese icebreaker research vessels and a cargo ship set sail on Wednesday for the Antarctic with more than 460 personnel on board to help complete construction of China's fifth station on the world's southernmost continent.China's biggest flotilla of research vessels deployed to the Antarctic will focus on building the station on the rocky, windswept Inexpressible Island near the Ross Sea, a deep Southern Ocean bay named after a 19th century British explorer.Work on the first Chinese station in the Pacific sector began in 2018.
US Issues Draft RFP for New Antarctic Research Vessel
![Rendering of an Antarctic Research Vessel. (Image: NSF, illustrated by Gibbs & Cox, a Leidos Company)](https://images.marinelink.com/images/maritime/w200h200c/rendering-of-an-antarctic-research-144785.png)
The U.S.' National Science Foundation (NSF) has released a draft request for proposal (RFP) for its Antarctic Research Vessel (ARV) Integrator requirement.According to NSF, the draft represents a functionally complete RFP with sections A through M, released to provide transparency and early exposure for what is a robust requirement.NSF said it seeks feedback from industry on the whole of the RFP, be that technical or contractual requirements, instructions to offerors and evaluation criteria, or small business engagement.