Congressman Rick Larsen's Online Office

Washington, D.C. — U.S. Representative Rick Larsen (WA-02) praised today’s announcement by the Coast Guard that the Polar Star icebreaker will be reactivated – a move that will create jobs in Northwest Washington and strengthen the Coast Guard’s capabilities in the Arctic region. The Polar Star Cutter is one of the Coast Guard’s three multi-mission icebreakers that are homeported in Seattle. The Polar Star has been in caretaker status which significantly decreases the capabilities of the ship at a time when icebreaking capabilities are needed more than ever.

“Reactivating the Polar Star icebreaker is great news for Washington state and the Pacific Northwest,” said Rep. Larsen. “Getting this ship back to work will create much-needed jobs for men and women at local shipyards and will help our Coast Guard protect the higher volume of maritime traffic that is passing through the Arctic region.”

Ice in the Arctic Ocean continues to decline, which has made it easier for vessels to travel through the region. Rep. Larsen has frequently raised the concern that the Coast Guard does not have the necessary resources and assets to protect and respond to increased shipping activity in the Arctic.

“The current conditions of our icebreaking fleet have left the Coast Guard ill-equipped to handle even the most basic operations in the Arctic,” said Rep. Larsen. “Reactivating the Polar Star is a much-needed first step towards protecting U.S. interests in the Arctic and ensuring we can maintain a strong presence in the region for years to come.”

###