Icebreaker Solution


The ability to control both the vectored thrust and slipstream by a full 360 degrees makes the azimuth propulsor a powerful tool for ice management operations.

Whether your goal is to open fairways, keep arctic offshore installations free of ice pressure or to blow ice ridges, the controllable slipstream of the propeller is always efficient. The focused propeller flow of a ducted propeller further enhances the ice blowing capacity. Ice milling is also an attainable operation mode.

AZIMUTH PROPULSION IN THE ARCTIC ENVIRONMENT
The climate is changing; the Arctic marine environment becomes more easily operable and navigable. The evolving technology generates more appropriate vessels. Both of the developments contribute to the utilization of the natural resources and new waterways for transport making them a real option.

The emergence of azimuth propulsors for ice operating vessels started some thirty years ago. The first vessels were harbor tugs assisting tankers at oil ports in Finland. Thereafter the range of applications has widened to include multipurpose and dedicated ice breakers, offshore support vessels, and arctic cargo and tank ships.

The power transmitting capability of the geared azimuth propul- sor units has increased from the initial one megawatt to 8.4 MW that was applied in the recent Steerprop equipped ice breakers. The present evolutionary technical progress enables power throughput up to 16MW applying the most stringent ice class requirements at the same time.

The feature of controlling the vectored thrust and also slip stream the full 360 degrees makes the azimuth propulsor a powerful tool for ice management. Be it either opening fairways, keeping arctic offshore installations free of ice pressure or blowing ice ridges the controllable slip stream of the propeller is always efficient. Focused propeller flow of a ducted propeller even enhances the ice blowing capacity.

The members of Steerprop team have played decisive role in the development of azimuth propulsion to second to none solution for ice operations. The dedication and work continues: we are ready for new challenges.