M.V. Aiviq – icebreaking anchor handling tug and supply vessel

M.V. Aiviq was originally delivered in 20212 for long term charter to Royal Dutch Shell in order to support oil exploration and drilling in the Chukchi and Beaufort Seas off the coast of Alaska. Unfortunately, Shell’s exploration program was terminated in 2015 after expenditure of around US$ 7 billion with the company having suffered several operational issues and disappointing drill results. The program was also opposed by environmental groups and was subject to an increasingly uncertain U.S. regulatory framework impacting Arctic exploration.

Built by North American Shipbuilding Co. Louisiana in 2012

Owned by Edison Chouset Offshore (ECO)

LOA 110.0m

Beam 28.4m

GRT 12,092 tons

Ice Class ABS A3

Propulsion: 4 x 12 cylinder medium speed diesels, total 16,240 kW driving 2 x CP propellors

Bow thrusters 3, stern thrusters 2

Bollard pull 200 tonnes

Service speed 15 knots, 17 knots in open water

Crew 28 with accommodation for 64

Final cost reported as US$200 million

 

Members of the U.S. Congress proposed that the U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) purchase the Aiviq in 2015-16, but this was declined on the basis of unsuitability without substantial refit. However, with the plan for 3 new polar icebreakers facing delays, the USCG recently announced a change of heart by issuing a public notice that it will after all enter into a sole-source contract to buy the vessel.

Most recently, Aiviq has spent 2 seasons on charter to Australia’s Antarctic Division to support the country’s Davis Station which is a centre for several scientific research programs.  It is estimated that Aiviq will sell for about $150 million and require a similar investment to bring her to USCG specifications.

Featured Image Courtesy: Edison Chouest