A new polar logistics icebreaker vessel is to be powered by Wärtsilä propulsion solutions, a power solutions manufacturer with various operations in North and South America. Wärtsilä is scheduled to deliver two stainless steel controllable-pitch propellers (CPPs) and shaft lines, four in-line Wärtsilä 20 main engines, two reduction gears, four NOR (NOx Reducer) emissions after treatment systems and one tunnel thruster.
The vessel is currently being built for Terre Australes et Antarctiques Françaises (TAAF) and the French Polar Institute (IPEV). It is scheduled for delivery in the first half of 2017. Operated by the French Navy, the 72-metre polar logistics and patrol icebreaker vessel will carry out its first supply mission to the Dumont d’Urville station in Antarctica in winter 2018. The ship will have accommodation for 60 persons and a cargo capacity of 1,200 metric tons. In addition, the ship is fitted with a helideck large enough to accommodate two helicopters.
The contract for the Wärtsilä equipment was signed in October; delivery is scheduled for mid-2016.