Arctech Helsinki delivers LNG-fuelled icebreaker

As reported, the hybrid vessel’s engines can be fuelled by either natural gas or low-sulphur diesel to generate electricity for three Azipod propulsion units, allowing it to comply with IMO sulphur emission limits in place for the Baltic Sea. The vessel is designed to break ice up to 1.8m thick at a speed of 3.5 knots.

Esko Mustamäki, managing director, Arctech Helsinki Shipyard, said: “Icebreaker Polaris is an extremely versatile vessel. She can operate in all ice conditions in the Baltic Sea using either gas or diesel oil as fuel. We are proud we had this opportunity to build the vessel that will serve Finnish winter navigation in coming decades.”

The prototype vessel is designed to serve for at least 50 years in icebreaking, oil recovery and sea rescue operations. At 110m loa and 9,300gt, Polaris is the biggest Finnish icebreaker to be delivered since 1994.

Principal Particulars

Length: 110m

Breadth: 24.4m

Draught, design: 8m

Speed: 17 knots

Gross tonnage: 9,300

Deadweight: 3,000

Crew: 16 (+8)

Classification: Lloyd’s Register

Ice class: PC4

Main engines: Wärtsilä 2×6,000kW, 2×4,500kW, 1×1,280kW (dual fuel)

Propulsion units: ABB Azipod 2×6,500kW (stern), 1×6,000kW (bow)

LNG tanks: 2x400m3

Oil recovery capacity: 1,400m3

Towing winch: 300m, 110 tonnes

Bollard pull: 214 tonnes

Icebreaking capability: 1.8m at 3.5 knots