U.S. Falls Behind in Ice-Breaker Vessel Production

The United States has fallen behind in providing viable icebreaker vessels for polar research. It is no longer the case that the majority of logistically challenging polar research is done on board American vessels. Research in ice- covered waters requires specialized infrastructure, logistics and equipment to assure scientific data is being collected in an effective and safe manner.  Although scientists have been boarding icebreakers and conducting research in these environments, for a number of years now, many questions still go unanswered. Questions regarding global environmental change and its effects on high latitude ecosystems are at the forefront of scientific studies in the polar environment. Increased year round access to polar-regions incorporating newer ice-capable research vessels and technology are compulsory to getting the required scientific research accomplished. With the reduction in capable U.S. vessels for polar research many scientists are collaborating with non-U.S. vessels.  Although multi-disciplinary collaborative research has proven to be successful, U.S. scientists can be at a disadvantage working on foreign vessels that have their own set agenda. The Arctic environment is experiencing changes faster than any other part of the globe. Both polar-regions are experiencing rapid melting of ice sheets and glaciers having the potential to significantly raise sea levels. Due to ever expanding areas where there has been reduced sea coverage there has been an increase in oil and gas drilling operations and tourism.