USCG Icebreaker Mackinaw Gears Up For Ice Season

Sturgeon Bay, WI the United States Coast Guard Icebreaker MACKINAW (WLBB-30) recently completed repairs at Fincantieri Bay Shipbuilding (FBS) to prepare for winter operations on the Great Lakes.

Winter Operations are especially hard on icebreakers and their endurance is paramount to shipping on the Great Lakes. Last winter, ice breaking started in December and lasted for 128 days, according to the U.S. Coast Guard.

The scope of work included repairs to the port-side azipod and air compressor overhaul; inspection of CO2 cylinders and the fire suppression system; inspection of the air receiver; deck renewal, door replacements and cleaning of ballast, waste and fuel tanks. The repairs are being performed in the FBS U.S. Navy-certified floating dry-dock.

The 240-foot vessel was built by Fincantieri Marinette Marine (FMM), sister company to FBS and member of the Fincantieri Marine Group, and delivered to the USCG in 2006.