Dual-fuel Icebreaker Polaris Presented at CIMAC

IB Polaris is the most environmentally friendly diesel-electric icebreaker ever built. It uses both low sulphur diesel and LNG as fuel, which significantly reduces its emissions. The special hull form and propulsion arrangement will minimize ice resistance and maximize the icebreaking capacity of the vessel.

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.

Finland's newest icebreaker Polaris will enter into service at a historical time. Next year Finland celebrates its 100 years as an independent nation. The theme for Finland's big year, "Together", is also an appropriate term to describe the design and building process of the new icebreaker. IB Polaris is the result of combined efforts by Finns and world-famous Finnish knowhow in designing, building and operating icebreakers.

Polaris will be powered by Wärtsilä's dual-fuel engines capable of operating on both liquefied natural gas (LNG) and low sulphur diesel fuel. Wärtsilä's industry leading track record in dual-fuel engine technology and the impressive power output per cylinder of the Wärtsilä engines was a crucial factor in the award of the contract. Wärtsilä's scope of supply consists of one 8-cylinder Wärtsilä 20DF, two 9-cylinder Wärtsilä 34DF, and two 12-cylinder Wärtsilä 34DF engine. Additionally Wärtsilä has 5 years maintenance agreement for all engines and generators including spare parts, remote online support, CBM monitoring and training services.

The new icebreaker's design and technical features were presented to media attending the CIMAC World Congress in Helsinki by experts from ABB, Arctech, the Finnish Transport Agency, Aker Arctic, Arctia, Wärtsilä, ILS and Lamor.