Arctech delivers world’s first LNG-powered icebreaker (Video)

Arctech delivers world's first LNG-powered icebreaker (Video)
LNG-powered icebreaker Polaris (Image courtesy of Arctech)

Arctech Helsinki Shipyard on Wednesday said it has delivered the LNG-powered icebreaker Polaris to its owner, the Finnish Transport Agency

The vessel has been handed over to the icebreaking unit of the state-owned Arctia Shipping, Arctech said in its statement.

The Polaris, designed to remain in service for at least 50 years in icebreaking, has ice-strengthened propulsion units and oil recovery system integrated into the hull.

During its service, it will be used for oil recovery and sea rescue operations. It has a 1,400-cbm oil recovery capacity and its engines are capable of running on either LNG or low sulphur diesel oil as fuel.

Equipped with three Azipod propulsion units and Wärtsilä main engines, the Polaris has an icebreaking capacity of 1.8 m at a speed of 3.5 kt.