ABB Azipod® propulsion to power new Canadian icebreaker

ABB has secured a contract with Helsinki Shipyard to supply a complete electric power and propulsion solution for the Polar Max icebreaker, which is expected to be delivered to the Canadian Coast Guard by 2030.

Uniquely, Polar Max will be constructed through an innovative industrial collaboration between Canadian-controlled facilities in Helsinki, Finland and Lévis, Canada.The 22,800-tonne, 138.5-meter vessel is the first shipbuilding project at Helsinki Shipyard under the ownership of Davie, the Quebec-based international shipbuilder. In addition to icebreaking, the ship will also function as a research vessel, while supporting oil spill response operations and emergency towing, responding to maritime emergencies, and supporting northern resupply missions year-round. 

“For decades, the Azipod® propulsion has consistently demonstrated its capabilities in harsh ice conditions, proving its reliability and performance in the world’s most demanding maritime environments,” said Juha Koskela, Division President, ABB Marine & Ports. “It is an honour to contribute to a project that is not only vital for polar operations but also strengthens the shipbuilding industry cooperation between Finland and Canada.”

Importantly, the Polar Max project aligns with the aims of the Icebreaker Collaboration Effort (ICE Pact), a trilateral partnership with Finland and the United States to coordinate expertise and strengthen the three countries’ abilities to design, build and market best-in-class Arctic and polar vessels. 

ABB’s comprehensive scope of supply will help ensure high performance over the lifetime of the vessel. ABB will integrate the complete power and propulsion solution for Polar Max, comprising of Azipod® electric propulsion units, shaftline propulsion motor, drives, transformers, generators, switchboards, shore connection, LTO batteries, and a power and energy management system. In addition, the vessel will feature ABB’s innovative AX Bridge solution, enabling better situational overview and simplifying the ship maneuvering experience for the bridge crew. 

“The Polar Max project is an important milestone in expanding production and design in Helsinki,” said Kim Salmi, CEO of Helsinki Shipyard. “The project is an excellent example of Helsinki Shipyard’s leading Arctic shipbuilding expertise, which is in significant demand internationally. We look forward to collaborating with ABB on this new build.” 

“Fostering shipbuilding collaborations with trusted partners is essential to advancing shared goals,” said James Davies, CEO, Davie Shipbuilding. This contract consolidates the longstanding relationship between ABB and Davie and reflects our mutual commitment to excellence in polar shipbuilding.”

ABB possesses unrivaled expertise in systems for vessels navigating ice conditions. The company delivers well-established and reliable technologies, with Azipod® propulsion systems installed on approximately 100 ice-capable or icebreaking ships. Notable references include the Polar Security Cutter Polar Sentinel (USA), and the Polaris icebreaker (Finland), constructed at Helsinki Shipyard. 

Davie, based in Québec, Canada since 1825, is a world-class designer and builder of specialist, mission-critical ships such as icebreakers, ferries and warships for government and commercial customers. Davie became a partner in the Government of Canada’s National Shipbuilding Strategy on April 4, 2023. This historic agreement is for the design and construction of the largest and most technologically advanced ice-going ships ever constructed in and for Canada. In November 2023, Davie acquired Finland’s Helsinki Shipyard, the world leader in icebreaker design and construction.

PHOTO: Polar Max rendering – Image credit Davie Shipbuilding