Canadian Polar Icebreaker project advances
Since 2021, Aker Arctic has been engaged in updating and improving the design of the Polar Icebreaker for the Canadian Coast…
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Polar Icebreaker
Type of vessel:
Polar Icebreaker
Type of work done:
Design Review, Propulsion configuration study, Hull form development, Stability, Ice Strengthening Design, Winterisation
Year:
2012 – 2014; 2021 – 2024
Customer:
STX Canada Marine/Vard Marine, Seaspan Vancouver Shipyards
Length x Breadth x Draught:
158.2 m x 28.0 m x 10.5 m
Propulsion:
Diesel-electric twin-azimuth/single-shaft hybrid propulsion; 34 MW in total
Ice breaking capacity:
3 knots in 2.5 m level ice with 30 cm snow
Ice class:
Polar Class 2 (PC 2) Icebreaker(+)
The Canadian Polar Icebreaker is a vital asset for the Canadian Coast Guard, designed to operate in high latitudes and protect Canada’s 162,000-kilometre Arctic coastline. Larger and more powerful than the icebreakers it replaces, the new polar icebreaker enables year-round operations, supporting northern communities, advancing Arctic science, and responding to maritime emergencies.
Aker Arctic was part of the original design team led by STX Canada Marine that began developing the concept in 2012. Later Aker Arctic collaborated with Seaspan and Elomatic to review, update and optimize the design by integrating the latest technology and icebreaking know-how. The polar icebreaker features a hybrid propulsion layout with two ABB Azipod propulsion units and a centerline shaft line to maximize efficiency and operational capability in heavy ice. Extensive model tests have confirmed the vessel’s seakeeping, manoeuvrability, and performance. Aker Arctic’s nonlinear finite element analysis tools have resulted in an optimal hull structure, making the ship lighter and more cost-effective.
Aker Arctic’s ongoing support ensures that the state-of-the-art polar icebreaker, which is set to begin construction in 2025, will meet the Canadian Coast Guard’s operational requirements in harsh Arctic conditions.
