AMO Currents - T&I Chairman introduces bill to provide new icebreaker on the Great Lakes

AMO Currents - Posted: April 3, 2009

T&I Chairman introduces bill to provide new icebreaker on the Great Lakes

Congressman James Oberstar (D-MN), chairman of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, has introduced a bill authorizing construction of a new icebreaker for the Great Lakes, calling the action “critically important.”

“The Great Lakes are in desperate need of another modern icebreaker,” said AMO National Great Lakes Vice President Don Cree. “Most of the U.S. Coast Guard’s icebreaking assets are nearing the end of their productive lives. As a result, freighters have been experiencing significant delays and even suffering extensive damage. In the spring of 2008 alone, ice-related damages cost U.S.-flag vessel operators $1.3 million to repair.”

Of eight total icebreaking vessels on the Great Lakes, two were not specifically designed for icebreaking and have proven unreliable in heavy ice conditions. Five more were built in the 1970s and are reaching the end of their productive lives, needing frequent maintenance. The newest vessel is the Mackinaw, which has demonstrated excellent icebreaking capability. H.R. 1747 would authorize $153 million for construction of a sister ship to the 2006-built Mackinaw.