Hunter pushes anew for Aiviq to bridge icebreaker gap

(WASHINGTON) — Concerned that the United States will not have a new heavy icebreaker in the Arctic for 10 years, U.S. Rep. Duncan Hunter, R-Calif., is asking that Congress bridge the gap with a used vessel, Defense News reported. In a Sept. 20 letter to House Republican leadership, Hunter asked for extra money for the Coast Guard to lease or buy a vessel while debate continues about building a new ship. Hunter said an existing vessel, Edison Chouest's Aiviq, would cost $33 million per year to lease and $150 million to buy.

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By Professional Mariner Staff