Artech to build LNG icebreaker for Finnish Transport Agency

Artech Helsinki Shipyard has been selected to build the new dual-fuel liquefied natural gas (LNG) and diesel icebreaker for the Finnish Transport Agency.

The Finnish Transport Agency intends to procure a new icebreaker to renew the ageing fleet of state-owned icebreakers, to improve the level of icebreaker services and to ensure the competitiveness of Finnish exports. The procurement is worth €123 million, and the final contract will be signed by the end of February. The vessel will be delivered by winter 2016.

Artech Helsinki Shipyard managing director, Esko Mustamäki, commented: “It is great that the new icebreaker of the Finnish government will be built at Arctech Helsinki Shipyard, which has over 100 years experience in building of arctic vessels. We have the best know-how and experienced builders for such projects. Winning this tender was only possible with USC’s support”.

Icebreaker features
The new icebreaker has been designed especially for the demanding icebreaking operations in the Baltic Sea. The vessel will be able to move continuously through approximately 1.6 m thick level ice, to break a 25 m wide channel in 1.2 m thick ice at speed of 6 knots, as well as to reach 9 - 11 knots of average assistance speed in the Baltic Sea. In open water the service speed will be minimum 16 knots. The icebreaker will use both diesel and LNG as its fuel, which will reduce its emissions and operating costs. The vessel will also be equipped for oil spill response operations and emergency towing missions.

Adapted from press release by Katie Woodward

Read the article online at: https://www.lngindustry.com/small-scale-lng/23012014/artech_to_build_finnish_lng_icebreaker_75/