The nearly 110 metres long vessel under construction at Helsinki Shipyard differs from previous icebreakers in various ways. Finnish technological innovations, such as ice-strengthened propulsion units and an effective oil recovery system integrated into the hull, have been used in the vessel design and construction. The unique icebreaker will be powered by both diesel and liquefied natural gas (LNG), which will significantly reduce both carbon emissions and fuel costs. Upon completion, Polaris will be the most environmentally friendly icebreaker in the world.
The new icebreaker has been designed especially for the demanding icebreaking operations in the Baltic Sea, and it will be fitted for oil recovery and emergency towing. The name Polaris refers to both the North Star, an important navigational star for seafarers on northern seas, and to the polar class of the ship, enabling operations in multi-year ice conditions.
"The naming of a Finnish icebreaker is a great occasion for the shipyard and for the entire Finnish maritime sector. We hope to see more of these events in the future”, said Esko Mustamäki, Managing Director of Helsinki Shipyard.
"It is our responsibility to provide the operating framework for winter navigation and to ensure effective year-round seaborne transport in Finland. We warmly welcome the new icebreaker, which will provide added icebreaking capacity", said Antti Vehviläinen, Director General of the Finnish Transport Agency.
"The ice and weather conditions on the Baltic Sea vary greatly and are difficult to anticipate. The Polaris will meet the needs of Finnish winter navigation to an even greater extent”, stated Tero Vauraste, CEO of Arctia Shipping Ltd.
“Polaris is a great example of Finnish Arctic know-how. It is an honour to be the vessel’s godmother. The best of luck and safe sailings to Polaris”, wished Paula Risikko, Second Deputy Speaker of the Finnish Parliament of the Finnish Parliament.
After Christmas, the Polaris will be floated out of the construction hall and moved to the outfitting quay for final outfitting and commissioning. The icebreaker will adorn the streetscape of Hietalahti, until she will be handed over to her owner in winter 2016.
Further information:
Managing Director Esko Mustamäki, Arctech Helsinki Shipyard Inc
Phone +358 50 411 5323 [email protected]
Head of Winter Navigation Unit, Jarkko Toivola, Finnish Transport Agency
Phone +358 29 534 3327, [email protected]
Communications Manager Eero Hokkanen, Arctia Shipping Ltd
Phone +358 46 876 7140, [email protected]
Images of the event available at: http://arctech.fi/fi/news-and-media/press-images
Arctech Helsinki Shipyard Inc. specializes in arctic shipbuilding technology, e.g. building icebreakers and other arctic offshore and special vessels. The shipyard is a forerunner in developing and applying technological innovations and has 150 years’ experience in shipbuilding. Arctech employs approximately 550 shipbuilders. www.arctech.fi
The Finnish Transport Agency enables smooth, efficient and safe travel and transport. The Finnish Transport Agency is responsible for Finland’s roads, railways and waterways and for the overall development of Finland's transport system. www.fta.fi.
Arctia Shipping Ltd enables Finnish seaborne trade in ice conditions on the Baltic Sea and provides icebreaking, offshore and oil recovery services in all polar regions. Arctia continues the Finnish icebreaking tradition, which has been practised for over a century, with one of the of the most powerful icebreaker fleets in the world. www.arctia.fi