USCG icebreaker Mackinaw completes repairs

Mackinaw in dry dock at Fincantieri Bay Shipbuilding

SEPTEMBER 8, 2015 — The United States Coast Guard Icebreaker Mackinaw (WLBB-30) recently completed repairs at Fincantieri Bay Shipbuilding, Sturgeon Bay, WI, 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 were carried out in the shipyard’s U.S. Navy-certified floating dry dock.

The 240-foot vessel was delivered in 2006 by Fincantieri Marine Group’s Fincantieri Marinette Marine (FMM) shipyard.