First LNG-Fuelled Icebreaker Announced

the ship will be capable of moving through 1.6 meter thick ice

Wärtsilä Corp. (Wärtsilä) says it is supplying dual-fuel engines for what will be the first liquefied natural gas (LNG)-powered icebreaker.

The ship, being built by Arctech Helsinki Shipyard for the Finnish Transport Agency, is expected to launch in late 2015 and will be capable of running on LNG or low-sulfur diesel fuel.

The vessel will operate in all seasons, providing icebreaking and other services to make seaborne transport safe in the Baltic Sea.

"The new icebreaker features the highest technology and will be built especially to operate in the demanding winter conditions of the northernmost Baltic Sea," said Esko Mustamäki, managing director of Arctech Helsinki Shipyard.

"By being able to use LNG fuel, the vessel will be the most environmentally friendly icebreaker ever built."

Wärtsilä will supply one 8-cylinder Wärtsilä 20DF, two 9-cylinder Wärtsilä 34DF, and two 12-cylinder Wärtsilä 34DF engines.

"The combination of ice breaking power and environmental sustainability is difficult to achieve, but our dual-fuel engine technology has the capabilities needed," said Aaron Bresnahan, vice president for sales of Wärtsilä Ship Power.

The ship will be capable of moving through 1.6 meter thick ice and breaking a channel through 1.2 meter thick ice while moving at 6 knots.

In addition to icebreaking, the ship will be able to respond independently to oil spills and provide emergency towing service.

Wärtsilä will also be involved in the supply of LNG to a Finnish import terminal that may be used to bunker LNG-powered ships.