399-foot Polar Class Icebreakers (WAGB)

click photo for enlargement

Length: 399 feet
Beam: 83.5 feet
Designed Draft: 28 feet
Top of mast above waterline: 138 feet
Displacement (28' draft): 13,194 tons
Potable water (100%): 26,586 gallons
General cargo: 400 tons
Cargo volume (upper/lower hold): 350/250 m3
Maximum cargo dimensions: 7'W x 11'L x 7'H
Commissioned: 1976 & 1978

Polar Class Icebreakers in service:

• POLAR STAR (WAGB-10)
• POLAR SEA (WAGB-11)

The Polar Class icebreakers are two of the largest cutters operated by the Coast Guard. 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 supplies to remote stations. Both Polar Class icebreakers are under the control of Pacific Area, Ice Operations Section.

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Updated: 03 August 2004