The design and technical aspects of the world’s first liquefied natural gas (LNG)-powered icebreaker were revealed this week at the CIMAC World Congress held in Helsinki, Finland.
The IB Polaris icebreaker vessel has been hailed as the most environmentally friendly diesel-electric icebreaker ever built.
Using both low-sulphur fuel and LNG, emissions from the vessel will be substantially lowered, compared to using conventional fuel oil. The vessel will be powered by Wärtsilä’s dual-fuel engines, consisting of one 8-cylinder Wärtsilä 20DF, two 9-cylinder Wärtsilä 34DF, and two 12-cylinder Wärtsilä 34DF engines. Wärtsilä also has a 5 year maintenance agreement for all engines and generators including spare parts, remote online support, CBM monitoring and training services.
The main purpose of IB Polaris is icebreaking and assisting of other vessels in ice conditions in the Baltic Sea. IB Polaris is also able to perform oil spill response operations, emergency towing and rescue operations at open sea all year round.
The special hull form and propulsion arrangement will also minimise ice resistance and maximise the icebreaking capacity of the vessel.
The Polaris icebreaker will enter into service next year when Finland celebrates its 100 years as an independent nation.
Image: Wärtsilä 34DF engine
Ship Efficiency Review News
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