Steerprop selected as propulsion supplier for Swedish Maritime Administration icebreaker

The Finnish marine propulsion specialist has been selected as the propulsion supplier, marking its first project with SMA and with the shipbuilder undertaking the project, HD Hyundai Heavy Industries.

Riviera reported in May that the South Korean shipbuilding giant had won a tender to build a next-generation icebreaker for SMA under a contract valued at US$348.9M.

The vessel will be equipped with two Steerprop Contra-Rotating Propeller (CRP) azimuth propulsors, together with one Steerprop pulling azimuth propulsor.

The propulsion package was selected for its enhanced efficiency in creating wider channels through heavy ice – one of the key challenges in icebreaking – while maintaining high propulsion efficiency and maneuverability, Steerprop said in a press release.

The propulsion system is one of the most critical elements of an icebreaker, where the ability to operate efficiently and maneuver precisely in demanding ice conditions is essential, the company added.

“For the Swedish Maritime Administration, icebreaking demands an exceptional combination of hydrodynamic efficiency, precise maneuverability and reliable performance in the most demanding ice conditions. Our proven CRP technology is purpose-built to meet exactly these requirements,” said Steerprop director of sales and project management Juho Rekola.

Measuring 126 metres in length and built to Polar Class 4 (PC4), the new vessel will play a critical role in maintaining safe and efficient winter navigation by escorting commercial vessels through challenging Baltic ice conditions.

At 7,100 kW each, the two Steerprop SP 260 CRP ARC LM units are the most powerful CRP units the company has ever produced, bringing the well-established technology’s ice-management capabilities and hydrodynamic efficiency to one of the world’s most capable icebreaker applications, Steerprop said.

Together with the bow-mounted 7,000 kW Steerprop SP 130 PULL ARC LM pulling azimuth propulsor, the propulsion system will provide high thrust, precise maneuverability and enhanced icebreaking capability, the company added.

Steerprop’s propulsion equipment is scheduled for delivery in Q2 2028.