Cargo Business Newswire

Wednesday, September 2, 2015

Obama calls for new Arctic icebreakers

President Obama has proposed a faster timetable for buying a new heavy icebreaker for the U.S. Arctic, where quick-melting ice has triggered more maritime traffic, and the U.S. has fallen far behind Russian resources.

It's a move that has long been urged by Arctic advocates inside and outside the administration as the country prepares for more shipping, mining and drilling in the region.

But the vessels are valued at about $1 billion each, and Congress would need to agree to pay for the expansion. Obama wants the government to buy a heavy icebreaker by 2020 - a year when routine Arctic marine transit is expected - instead of the previous goal of 2022.

He also will propose to start planning for additional icebreakers. The White House said the move is required for safety in the changing Arctic - and to keep up with Russia.

The U.S. Coast Guard used to have seven icebreakers, but the fleet has dwindled to three creaky vessels, only one of which is a heavy-duty vessel, the White House said.

"Russia, on the other hand, has 40 icebreakers and another 11 planned or under construction," the White House said.

For more of the Reuters story: www.reuters.com