Arctech Helsinki Shipyard says the new Finnish LNG-powered icebreaker Polaris left on her first sea trial on 22 April. The trial is part of the test use of the ship, which is done to assure the functionality of the vessel before delivery.
The main purpose of the vessel is icebreaking and assisting of vessels in ice conditions, but she will also be able to perform oil spill response operations, emergency towing and rescue operations under demanding conditions at open sea all year round. It has also been designed for 50 years of service life.
The icebreaker will use both low sulphur diesel and LNG as its fuel, which diminishes its emissions and operation costs. Polaris will be the most environmentally friendly icebreaker in the world.
Arctech Helsinki Shipyard Inc. (fully owned subsidiary of Russia’s United Shipbuilding Corporation) specializes in arctic shipbuilding technology, e.g. building icebreakers and other arctic offshore and special vessels. The shipyard is a forerunner in developing and applying technological innovations and has 150 years’ experience in shipbuilding. Arctech numbers about 580 employees.
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