Polar Star Annual Repairs at Mare Island Dry Dock

Background

Nestled in the heart of a historic naval site, Mare Island has long been a cornerstone of maritime activity on the West Coast. Once a bustling Navy base, the site has transitioned through various phases of ownership and now serves as a vital repair and maintenance hub for large vessels. Among its most notable tenants is the Polar Star, the largest icebreaker in the United States, which relies on Mare Island Dry Dock for annual repairs that keep it mission-ready for Arctic operations.

In 2014, engineering firm Foth was brought in to manage dredging operations at the facility. Their work ensures that the dry docks remain functional and compliant, allowing ships like the Polar Star to safely dock and undergo critical maintenance. With two active dry docks and a third in development, the site continues to play a key role in supporting national maritime infrastructure and contributing to the local economy.

Approach

Foth’s responsibilities include managing all aspects of dredging, such as regulatory correspondence, design, and bid specifications. Their expertise ensures that the dry docks remain operational and compliant with environmental standards. One of the most impressive aspects of the site is its ability to accommodate large vessels like the Polar Star, the largest icebreaker in the United States. The dry dock process is a complex operation. The dock is flooded to allow the ship to enter, then drained over several hours to expose the hull, propellers, and other components for inspection and repair. This process was made possible through close coordination between Foth, site partners, and the U.S. Coast Guard, whose collaboration ensured that environmental, logistical, and operational standards were consistently met.

Results

After months of preparation and repair, the Polar Star has officially set sail from Mare Island, ready to resume its critical mission in the Arctic. Its departure marks the successful completion of another cycle of maintenance, ensuring the vessel remains capable of navigating and breaking through some of the most extreme ice conditions on the planet. The visit left a lasting impression on the shipyard and surrounding community. Seeing the largest icebreaker in the country up close offered a rare glimpse into the scale and complexity of maritime operations. The enthusiasm of the crew, combined with the technical precision of the dry dock process, highlighted the importance of Mare Island as a strategic site for national infrastructure.