The Finnish company Aker Arctic Technology has been selected by the Finnish Transport Infrastructure Agency to design a new icebreaker to respond to the changing conditions of the Baltic Sea. It will be a vessel belonging to an intermediate classification called B+, which will have higher capacities than current standards for vessels in its category.
An icebreaker adapted to a dynamic arctic environment
In recent winters, ice formations in the Baltic Sea have become more fragmented and dynamic, making commercial shipping difficult even in moderate ice conditions. This operational challenge has prompted Aker Arctic to come up with innovative solutions that optimize maneuverability and efficiency in complex environments such as the Bay of Bothnia and the Gulf of Finland.
The B+ project will include the evaluation of three alternative fuels (liquefied biogas, methanol and ammonia), prioritizing technological feasibility and environmental impact. technological feasibility and reduced impact. In addition, three propulsion configurations will be studied, including advanced combinations of shaft line and azimuthal systems, all with the aim of providing operational performance adapted to the changing ice regime of the Baltic Sea.
Regional approach and European cooperation
This development is part of the European Union’s WINMOS III initiative, aimed at ensuring the continuity of maritime traffic during winters in northern Europe. In addition, the B+ icebreaker concept could serve as a basis for future joint acquisitions with Sweden and Estonia, thus consolidating a coherent regional strategy for winter shipping assistance.
The schedule calls for design packages to be ready in early 2026, facilitating streamlined bidding processes for construction. Aker Arctic will leverage the experience gained from previous projects such as Polaris, but incorporate the latest available technologies in sustainable fuels and advanced propulsion systems.
Our extensive research in the previous project allows us to build on existing knowledge rather than starting from scratch. However, alternative fuels and engine technology are developing very rapidly today.
said Tuomas Romu, chief designer at Aker Arctic Technology.
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Source: Aker Arctic Technology
Photo: shutterstock
