The Coast Guard has commenced icebreaking operations on the Hudson River as temperatures continue to fall and waters freeze. A fleet of Coast Guard icebreaking ships – or cutters – will help maintain waterways used by commercial vessel traffic in the Port of New York / New Jersey and up the Hudson River to Albany, from now until the end of March 2011. The mission is vital for upstate New York’s residents and the area’s economy. “An average of 300 vessels transit the Hudson River during the winter months, carrying over 5 million barrels of petroleum products to the communities of this northern region,” said Chief Warrant Officer Kary Moss, Coast Guard Sector New York’s Aid to Navigation and Ice Officer.