The icebreaker is expected to enter service by 2030 as part of Canada’s National Shipbuilding Strategy (NSS), in which Davie is a strategic partner. 18MW of Azipod® propulsion power will ensure industry-leading performance in North American ice-covered waters
ABB has secured a contract with Helsinki Shipyard to supply a complete electric power and propulsion solution for the Polar Max icebreaker, which is expected to be delivered to the Canadian Coast Guard by 2030.
Uniquely, Polar Max will be constructed through an innovative industrial collaboration between Canadian-controlled facilities in Helsinki, Finland and Lévis, Canada.The 22,800-tonne, 138.5-meter vessel is the first shipbuilding project at Helsinki Shipyard under the ownership of Davie, the Quebec-based international shipbuilder. In addition to icebreaking, the ship will also function as a research vessel, while supporting oil spill response operations and emergency towing, responding to maritime emergencies, and supporting northern resupply missions year-round.
– For decades, the Azipod® propulsion has consistently demonstrated its capabilities in harsh ice conditions, proving its reliability and performance in the world’s most demanding maritime environments, said Juha Koskela, Division President, ABB Marine & Ports.
– It is an honour to contribute to a project that is not only vital for polar operations but also strengthens the shipbuilding industry cooperation between Finland and Canada.
Importantly, the PolarMax project aligns with the aims of the Icebreaker Collaboration Effort (ICE Pact), a trilateral partnership with Finland and the United States to coordinate expertise and strengthen the three countries’ abilities to design, build and market best-in-class Arctic and polar vessels.
