EMEA News
Arctia Takes Delivery of World's First LNG Icebreaker
Arctia Ltd. (Arctia) Thursday announced that the IB Polaris - the world's first liquefied natural gas (LNG)-powered icebreaker - has joined the company's fleet.
The hybrid vessel is said to be capable of using on both LNG and low sulphur diesel oil as fuel.
"The use of LNG significantly reduces carbon emissions, making IB Polaris also the most environmentally friendly diesel electric icebreaker in the world," said the company.
"Icebreaker Polaris is a true masterpiece of Finnish shipbuilding expertise. Innovative design is used for example in the vessel's hull form and propulsion unit arrangement."
The vessel is noted to be equipped with three Azipod propulsion units that rotate 360 degrees to enhance maneuvering capabilities.
Polaris is also said to have an icebreaking capacity of 1.8 metres at a speed of 3.5 knots.
As Ship & Bunker has previously reported, the vessel was built for the Finnish Transport Agency, and is said to be capable of reducing both emissions and bunker costs through its use of LNG and low sulfur diesel.
The vessel is expected to begin its employment in the Baltic Sea this winter.
