Finland Takes Delivery of LNG-Powered Icebreaker Polaris

Finland Takes Delivery of LNG-Powered Icebreaker Polaris

The liquefied natural gas (LNG)-powered icebreaker Polaris was delivered to the Finnish Transport Agency on September 28, according to the Finland-based shipbuilder Arctech Helsinki Shipyard.

Arctech Helsinki Shipyard delivered the most powerful newcomer in the Finnish Icebreaker fleet, icebreaker Polaris, to the Finnish Transport Agency on September 28th, 2016.

Upon delivery, the 9,300 gross ton ship was handed over to the state-owned operator of the Finnish icebreaker fleet Arctia Icebreaking Oy.

The prototype vessel, which is able to use either liquefied natural gas or low sulphur diesel oil as fuel, is designed to serve for at least 50 years in icebreaking, oil recovery and sea rescue operations, according to Arctech Helsinki Shipyard.

Furthermore, the icebreaker complies with the international IMO Tier III emission standards and special requirement for sulphur emissions in the Baltic Sea.

Featuring a length of 110 meters and a width of 24.4 meters, the ship is equipped with three Azipod propulsion units rotating 360° which enables first-rate maneuvering qualities, the shipbuilder said.

With an icebreaking capacity of 1,8 m at a speed of 3,5 kt, Polaris can operate in all ice conditions in the Baltic Sea and use either gas or diesel oil as fuel in all circumstances, Managing Director of Arctech Helsinki Shipyard Esko Mustamäki, said, adding that the vessel “will serve the Finnish winter navigation in coming decades.”

News content and pictures from：worldmaritimenews.com