GE joins Davie shipyard Polar Icebreaker programme

The NIC is intended to form a centre of excellence for Polar technologies and Arctic expertise, forming the centre of a world-class maritime cluster in Quebec.

James Davies, President & CEO, Davie Shipbuilding welcomed the agreement. Mr Davies added “GE’s leading-edge propulsion system combined with decades of icebreaker experience and electric and power system capabilities are unsurpassed.”

GE’s Power Conversion business offer a full spectrum of best-in-class integrated electrical propulsion and power systems, including its SEAJET podded propulsion units. The ice-class range of SEAJET – a technology jointly developed with AETC Sapphire – is available for Polar Class notation, with a power range of 7.5MW to 15MW.

The SEAJET podded propulsion units offer improved manoeuvrability and efficiency compared with convention propulsion, and total fuel consumption and exhaust emissions are reduced. Customizable for different ship types, with simplified installation, SEAJET pods can enhance performance in an array of commercial, offshore marine, and ice breaking ships.

The Polar icebreaker project is intended to begin the process of replacing Canada’s ageing Polar Icebreaker fleet. In addition to the Polar icebreaker project, Davie is set to build six Program Icebreakers (PIBs) for the Canadian government under its National Shipbuilding Strategy (NSS) from 2025.