USCGC 'Storis': The U.S. Coast Guard's Latest Icebreaker Navigates the Panama Canal on Its Arctic Mission

According to a recent report from gCaptain, the U.S.Coast Guard icebreaker Storis (WAGB 21) has successfully navigated through the Panama Canal on it’s way to its first Arctic mission. The vessel, which is classified as polar class 3-equivalent, set sail from Bollinger Shipyards in Pascagoula, Mississippi on June 3, 2025. By June 11, it reached the northern entrance of the canal and had to wait for about 18 hours outside Limon Bay before making its way through the Gatun locks.

The transit itself took roughly eight hours, wiht Storis exiting via the Miraflores locks late on June 12.Since control of the canal was handed over to Panama in 1999, U.S. military vessels have been granted expedited passage at all times. However, tensions have recently surfaced between Washington and Panama regarding access rights.

In February during a visit by Secretary of State Marco rubio, he claimed that Panama had agreed not to charge fees for U.S.government ships using the canal—a statement that was later retracted amid denials from Panamanian officials about any such agreement.The future remains uncertain regarding whether preferential treatment will be extended to American vessels.

While it’s unclear if storis received priority transit status during this journey—traffic was reportedly light at that time—gCaptain has confirmed that it did indeed get priority access through the canal’s locks.Requests for comments from both the canal authority and USCG media office regarding whether Storis incurred any transit fees went unanswered; however,it’s known that costs can soar up to $500,000 for larger ships while most pay between $60K and $150K.

Storis is expected in San Diego by July 2nd before heading northward towards Alaska shortly after its arrival. The official commissioning ceremony is slated for August at its new home port in Juneau.

This icebreaker marks just one part of a broader initiative aimed at bolstering America’s fleet capabilities in icy waters. Recently announced plans by Canadian shipbuilder Davie indicate an intention to invest in facilities located in Galveston and Port Arthur—perhaps positioning Texas as a central hub for advanced shipbuilding efforts focused on national security needs.

James Davies, President and CEO of Davie stated: “We envision Texas becoming a premier center for American icebreaker production.” This ambition could usher in what he describes as a “Golden Age” of shipbuilding within america—emphasizing timely delivery and budget adherence while serving critical national interests.