Finnish shipbuilder Arctech Helsinki Shipyard held a naming ceremony today for the new-generation icebreaker named Polaris.
The nearly 110 metres long 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.
“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,” noted 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,” said Tero Vauraste, CEO of Arctia Shipping Ltd.
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.