Innovative and sustainable icebreaker vessel

LAPPEENRANTA, FINLAND – The Finnish Transport Infrastructure Agency is launching a new icebreaker concept. It is equipped with an innovative motorized removable bow, powered by Danfoss Editron. The icebreaker ferry will be moored in Mustola harbor in Lappeenranta, Finland. Additionally, it will operate in the Lake Saimaa area from winter 2020.

The removable bow is part of the Winter Navigation Motorways of the Sea II project. The removable bow is part of the Winter Navigation Motorways of the Sea II project. This part will be delivered by Turku Repair Yard Ltd. The €7.6 million-scheme, co-funded by EU Connecting Europe Facility program, aims to develop and enhance the maritime winter navigation system. As well as, its safety during winter times. One of its key targets is the creation of a motorized ice-breaking removable bow concept. Which will enable ice-strengthened vessels to be used as icebreakers during the winter.

Danfoss Editron’s hybrid electric system is powering the removable bow. This is with two generators built as a DC system, and two propulsion systems. In addition, the company has provided a front super-capacitor so that peak powers can be efficiently controlled. The EDITRON software also cuts fuel and delivers high efficiencies. This, as the diesel-generators in the DC system can be driven at variable speeds. The power plan and propulsion system of the removable bow has been designed to be operated from the pusher tug wheelhouse. Additionally, the machinery can operate unmanned.

Jukka Väisänen, Project Operator at Väylä, commented:

“Lake Saimaa’s ice is more solid than sea ice and can reach up to 80cm thick. Developing this innovative design concept for the removable bow and equipping it with its own propulsion system. Meaning that we will achieve savings in capital costs. As we will charter the pusher for only part of the year. We are also expecting to see savings in fuel consumption thanks to the hybrid propulsion system.”

Kari Savolainen, Project Manager at Danfoss Editron, added:

“Our headquarters are in Lappeenranta, so we can see first-hand how harsh winter conditions directly impact shipping transport. This new kind of removable bow will make the whole industry more efficient and sustainable. As it enables virtually any kind of tug to become an ice-breaker ship. Our EDITRON system is easily adaptable for future optimizations and can be converted to a fully-electric system if needed.”

With winter temperatures than can plummet to -30°C, icebreakers are a necessity in Finland even during mild winters. Introducing hybrid electric power in ice-breaking operations will also help the country meet its target. Which is to lower emissions by 40% by 2030, compared to 1990 levels.