Protacon to modernise Swedish icebreakers

The modernisation is part of SMA’s efforts to standardise the operation of its icebreaker fleet. The two 40-year old vessels Atle and Frej will be given new electric propulsion drives and drive control systems, further lengthening their lifespan.

Protacon project manager Marko Loisa said: “The digitalisation of the control system of the old DC drive is a cost-efficient solution. At the same time, the automation systems of the ships will be upgraded to modern power-line communication (PLC) technology.”

The deal, the fourth of its kind for Protacon, also includes a maintenance and helpdesk agreement comprising performance assurance and annual maintenance of the systems. Protacon hailed the order as one that “will remarkably strengthen its foothold as a full-service supplier of high power electric drives”.

Protacon’s managing director Kari Pellinen added: “At the global level, there are still many icebreakers of the same technology requiring modernisation. Protacon’s expertise in renewing both automation systems and electric drives has strengthened during the years and we see great potential for other similar projects.”