Episode 708: The Icebreaker Imperative, with Peter Rybski

With one of the most militarily and energy strategic states in our union, Alaska, being in the Arctic, and the extensive interests we have on the other side of the planet in Antarctica, do you wonder why our nation’s icebreaking “fleet”—being what it is—amounts to an antique road show? Are you curious how our plan to replace them is making the LCS program look like a successful and well-run program? Can a nation of 335 million souls learn something from a nation of 5.5 million?

Today’s Midrats is for you with our guest, Peter Rybski.

Pete is a retired nuclear-trained surface warfare officer who has served on six different ships and a couple of overseas staffs. His last job on Active Duty was as the U.S. Naval Attache to Finland. It was in that position that he began a deep dive into icebreakers and icebreaking technology. Pete retired in 2021, but remained in Finland, where he and his family live 106 miles from the Russian border.Forgot the most important part- He writes about icebreakers, security policy, and general life in Finland over at his Substack, Sixty Degrees North.

Showlinks

• Sixty Degrees North article on USCG Polar Security Cutter Program
• Sea ice tracker
• USCGC Healy (WAGB-20)
• gCaptain article on Chinese icebreakers
• Polar Security Cutter Program from Wikipedia
• Wind Class icebreakers
• Icebreaker Collaboration Effort (ICE)
• Sam LaGrone article on the VT Halter icebreaker program
• Le Commandant Charcot, French icebreaking cruise ship
• Finland icebreaking Missile Corvettes
• Aker Arctic
• Dr Elizabeth Buchanan on X

Summary

This conversation delves into the critical role of icebreakers in U.S. Arctic strategy, highlighting the challenges faced by the U.S. Coast Guard in maintaining and expanding its icebreaker fleet. Guest Peter Rybski shares his experiences in Finland, where he developed a keen interest in icebreakers, and discusses the historical context of U.S. icebreaker capabilities compared to other nations. The dialogue also addresses procurement issues, legal challenges, and the necessity for armed icebreakers in the Arctic, culminating in a discussion about international cooperation through the Icebreaker Coalition.

Takeaways

• The U.S. has not built an icebreaker in 50 years.
• 80% of the world's icebreakers are designed in Finland.
• The Coast Guard has been slow to prioritize icebreaker needs.
• China is rapidly expanding its icebreaker fleet.
• The procurement process for U.S. icebreakers is dysfunctional.
• International cooperation is essential for icebreaker capabilities.
• The U.S. needs to consider purchasing foreign-built icebreakers.
• Armed icebreakers are necessary for Arctic security.
• The Icebreaker Coalition aims to enhance collaboration among allies.
• Political will is crucial for advancing U.S. icebreaker strategy.

Chapters

• 00:00: Introduction to Icebreakers and Arctic Strategy
• 06:10: Transitioning to Finland: A Personal Journey
• 13:03: The Importance of Icebreakers in Global Trade
• 18:12: Challenges in U.S. Icebreaker Procurement
• 24:34: The Complexity of Icebreaker Design and Construction
• 30:00: Understanding the Delays in Icebreaker Development
• 31:15: Legal and Political Constraints in Shipbuilding
• 34:34: The Need for a Comprehensive Icebreaker Strategy
• 37:17: Arming Icebreakers: A Strategic Discussion
• 43:52: The Icebreaker Coalition: Collaboration and Challenges
• 47:19: Finland's Defense Purchases and U.S. Relations
• 51:42: China's Growing Influence in Antarctica
• 53:53: Future Insights and Closing Thoughts