399-foot Polar Class Icebreakers (WAGB)

Thumbnail photo of 399-foot Polar-class icebreaker


The largest cutters operated by the Coast Guard are the Polar Class icebreakers. These cutters, specifically designed for open-water icebreaking have reinforced hulls, special icebreaking bows, and a system that allows rapid shifting of ballast to increase the effectiveness of their icebreaking. The Polar Sea and Polar Star were built in the 1970s. They serve in Arctic/Antarctic serving science and research as well as providing resupply to remote stations. Both Polar Class icebreakers are under the control of Pacific Area, Ice Oreations Section.

Armament: Two .50-caliber machine guns
Helicopters: Two HH-65A
Crew: 139 Total (14 Officers, 125 Enlisted)

Polar Class Icebreakers in service:

CONFIGURATION ***** CAPABILITIES
Length: 399 feet   Max. Cruise range at 13 knots: 28,275 miles
Beam: 83.5 feet   Endurance, diesels, full power: 38 days
Designed Draft: 28 feet   Continuous Icebreaking: 6 feet at 3 knots
Top of mast above waterline: 138 feet   Sustained open water speed: 15 knots (1 diesel/shaft)
Displacement (28' draft): 13,194 tons   Backing and ramming: 20+ feet
Shaft horsepower (diesel/turbines): 18,000/60,000 ***** ...  ...

 
STORAGE CAPACITIES
Diesel (at 95%): 1,359,200 gallons
JP-5 (at 95%), helos: 46,419 gallons
Lube oil: 13,660 gallons
Potable water (100%): 26,586 gallons
General cargo 400 tons
Cargo volume (upper/lower hold): 350/250 m3
Provisioning: 60-150 days
Maximum cargo dimensions: 7'W x 11'L x 7'H