Icegoing vessels

We are in a unique position to manufacture total electric power and propulsion solution for icebreaking vessels. All main products in our solutions are produced in-house, which enables us to control and secure complete deliveries, and to simplify lifetime maintenance and service.

Proven technology & reliable partner

Proven propulsion technology securing successful icebreaking operation through 150 icebreaking vessel references with decades of experience

OPEX & total cost of ownership

Azipod® enables DAS concept, providing up to 50% less installed power and lower fuel consumption ensures economically efficient operation throughout vessels lifetime.

Icebreaking & operational efficiency

Azipod® propulsion elevates icebreaking capability and performance to a complete new level. It enables independent ice operation in the harshest environmental conditions with predictable operating schedule, while still minimizing the need of icebreaker assistance.

Highlights

Generations

ABB Spearheads Future-Proof Technologies for Icebreaking Ships

Operating safely and responsibly in the toughest ice conditions on the planet requires the toughest technology. Harsh environments, regulatory requirements, and lack of infrastructure are key challenges in building icebreaking vessels for operations in Polar waters – not only research vessels, but also expedition ships, cargo ships, tankers, and LNG carriers. System redundancy and equipment reliability are critical for the safety of both vessel and crew. Podded propulsion solutions have been developed to meet these stringent requirements offering effective, clean, and quiet operations together with superior maneuverability and reliability.

Press release

ABB partners with Seaspan Shipyards on new Canadian Coast Guard polar icebreaker

ABB has secured a comprehensive propulsion system contract with Seaspan’s Vancouver Shipyard for the first of the Canadian Coast Guard’s new-generation polar icebreakers

Press release

ABB to power first hybrid-electric polar expedition cruise ship built in South America

ABB has won an order from Astilleros y Servicios Navales S.A. (ASENAV) shipyard in Chile to supply power and propulsion system for Antarctica21’s newbuild polar expedition cruise ship

Press release

ABB to supply ice-classed Azipod® propulsion for new polar research vessel

ABB has won an order to deliver compact Azipod® DI propulsion system to the new polar research icebreaker of Chinese Institute of Deep-sea Science and Engineering

Generations: Business insight

Recent development of icebreaking ship propulsion

Icebreakers have been sailing for some 120 years. At first only slightly more powerful than ordinary commercial vessels, in the early years icebreaker propulsion systems consisted of steam engines connected to a propeller. Marine diesel engines later began to replace steam engines in tandem with advances in electric equipment technology.

Press release

PONANT’s polar explorer reaches North Pole with ABB technology, setting new standards for cruise

Le Commandant Charcot makes history with ABB’s Azipod® propulsion as the first exploration cruise vessel to reach the North Pole. The vessel is built with respect to environment and features the largest energy storage system ever installed on a cruise ship for maximum sustainability.

Generations: Technical Insight

Polaris icebreaker study: improving performance and cutting emissions through energy storage

ABB has conducted a study to show how an energy storage system could help improve the overall power efficiency of icebreakers, saving fuel and reducing emissions.

Web story

China’s first home-built icebreaker: carving a polar niche

China’s interest in the polar regions is growing, as are the objectives for advancing the domestic shipbuilding industry. The first icebreaker built entirely in China, the Xue Long 2 research vessel, will go a long way toward serving both these interests.

Generations: Business insight

A breakthrough in icebreaking

Finland has for decades been a leader in icebreaker technology, consistently designing and building ships that break not only ice, but performance barriers. Now they have delivered a ship that sets the bar even higher for performance and efficiency, while adding yet another innovation: Polaris is the world’s first LNG-powered icebreaker.

Web story

Azipod® propulsion: conquering ice

Where winters are harshest, the toughest technology is required for marine operations to continue uninterrupted during the frozen months. For 30 years, Azipod® propulsion has proven to be up to the task, keeping harbors open and moving goods and people through the most challenging sea ice conditions on the planet.

Generations: Technical Insight

Innovation at the extremes: technology for a universal polar icebreaker

Major advances in icebreaker technology over the last 25 years come together in the ‘Universal Polar Icebreaker’, a concept that goes a major step beyond what traditional designs can achieve while using thoroughly proven marine systems technology, including propulsion.

ABB Azipod® takes marine propulsion to the North Pole and beyond


ABB's Azipod® propulsion system has become an industry standard. KV Svalbard became the first Norwegian vessel to sail to the North Pole, and it was a part of an international scientific expedition led by The Nansen Center. ABB has delivered Azipod® electric propulsion systems to over 90 icebreakers and ice-going vessels. The technology has played a key role in developing ABB's strong position for environmentally friendly electric propulsion. Lower fuel consumption means reduced CO2 emissions, which is vital for the global ferry industry which transports 2.1 billion passengers annually. 

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Our offering

Systems and solutions

Electric solutions
Azipod® gearless propulsion
Digital
Service

Designed to withstand all ice loads in a range of combinations


Ice can bring vessels of any size to a halt. 

Azipod® propulsion is ideal for breaking it, using the revolutionary Double Acting principle, which allows the stern to be optimized for icebreaking and the bow optimized for Open Water conditions. 

While ships equipped with conventional rudders are difficult to steer when going astern, the Azipod® propulsor thrust allows a vessel to be steered in any direction against ice and achieve maximum icebreaking efficiency.
       

 

Learn more

Recorded webinar
ABB TechTalks: Icebreaker Battery Study
Recorded webinar
ABB TechTalks: Best practices for icebreaking ship design and operations
Interview
Learn how Azipod® propulsion and Onboard DC Grid™ is enabling icegoing operations in shallow ports

Publications and multimedia

Stay tuned on the latest trends

Generations, the article series from ABB Marine & Ports, showcases unique business perspectives from global thought leaders, alongside in-depth technical insight from ABB’s own experts.

Meet us at events and conferences

We attend a range of events throughout the year - come and visit our team to learn more about our systems and solutions
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