USCG Polar Class Icebreaker

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USCG photo of USCG Polar Star Icebreaker (WAGB 10)
USCG photo of USCG Polar Star Icebreaker (WAGB 10)

The USCG Polar class of heavy icebreakers consists of three vessels, the USCGC Polar Star (WAGB-10), the USCGC Polar Sea (WAGB-11), and the USCGC Healy (WAGB-20). 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. These vessels conduct Arctic and Antarctic research and are the primary icebreakers which clear the channel into McMurdo Station for supply ships. All are homeported out of Seattle, Washington.

[edit] Healy specifications

  • Length: 420 ft (128 m)
  • Beam: 82 ft (25.0 m)
  • Designed draft: 29 ft (8.8 m)
  • Displacement : 16,000 tons
  • Propulsion: Diesel Electric, AC/AC Cycloconverter
  • Shaft power: 30,000 hp (22 MW) max
  • Commissioned: June 1999

[edit] Polar class specifications

  • Length: 399 ft (122 m)
  • Beam: 83.5 ft (25.5 m)
  • Designed draft: 28 ft (8.5 m)
  • Top of mast above waterline: 138 ft (42 m)
  • Displacement at designed draft: 13,194 tons
  • Potable water (100%): 26,586 US gallons (101 m³)
  • General cargo: 400 tons
  • Cargo volume (upper/lower hold): 350/250 m³
  • Maximum cargo dimensions: 7 by 11 by 7 ft (2.1 by 3.4 by 2.1 m)
  • Commissioned: 1976 & 1978

[edit] External links


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