ABB will provide the power, automation and turbocharging capabilities for the most advanced port icebreaker ever built. It will maximise fuel efficiency and manoeuvrability by including four Azipod thrusters, adapted for the tough ice conditions, and its Onboard DC Grid system, to distribute energy effectively. The main engine will also be fitted with Power2 800-M turbochargers, the most advanced two-stage turbocharging system in the industry, enabling highest efficiency turbocharging performance.
Peter Terweisch, group senior vice president, process automation, commented: “ABB’s marine applications are at the forefront of the icebreaking market with our process automation technology now central to the world’s most advanced icebreaking vessel. We are very pleased to be able to deliver industry leading levels of efficiency and safety by providing so many ABB latest generation solutions on one vessel.”
The vessel will benefit from ABB’s Onboard DC Grid system, which has many advantages. It provides space and weight savings whilst minimising noise and vibration. One of the key advantages of the Onboard DC Grid is that it allows diesel engines to run at variable speeds, rather than one fixed speed, which is important when managing ice conditions. This flexibility can also cut fuel use and emissions.
Two pairs of Azipod thrusters will be fitted on the bow and stern of the ship, all of which will be adapted to the conditions. They will be equipped with powerful electric motors, each of 3MW. One of the crucial benefits of Azipod propulsion is that the units turn through 360 degrees, allowing the ship’s crew to manoeuvre the vessel to operate stern or bow first.
Mika Hovilainen, senior naval architect at Aker Arctic Technology, which is responsible for developing this unique vessel concept, says: “The harbour icebreaker is a totally new concept especially developed for heavy harbour ice conditions with extensive thick brash ice. Having four Azipod units helps to take operability, manoeuvrability and ice management capability one step further. Along with ABB’s Marine and Ports, we continue to be at the cutting edge of icebreaking technology.”
An integrated power and energy management system and a marine automation system bring together main elements of the ship’s performance, such as power generation and propulsion, into a centralised system, allowing the operator to increase efficiency and safety.
The vessel will be built by Vyborg Shipyard in Russia.
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