U.S. Coast Guard Cutter POLAR STAR is one of two Polar Class icebreakers, which, at 399-feet long, are among the largest cutters operated by the Coast Guard. These cutters, specifically designed for open-water icebreaking have reinforced hulls, special icebreaking bows, and a system that allows rapid shifting of ballast to increase the effectiveness of their icebreaking. Built in the 1970s, they serve in the Arctic and Antarctic serving science and research as well as providing supplies to remote stations.
