ABB to supply systems for Russian icebreaker

OCTOBER 1, 2012 — ABB reports it has won an order worth $35 million from the Baltic Shipyard Ltd. to supply propulsion and electrical systems for a new icebreaker vessel under construction for Russia’s state shipping company Rosmorport FSUE. The order was booked in the third quarter of 2012.

The 25 megawatt (MW) diesel-electric vessel is the next-generation multifunctional diesel-electric icebreaker and will operate on the Northern Sea Route, the Arctic seas and the estuaries of rivers discharging into the Arctic Ocean. It will be able to proceed continuously both ahead and astern at the speed of 2 knots in compact ice field up to 2 m thick with 20 cm of snow cover and temperatures as low as minus 35 degrees Celsius.

ABB will provide integrated power generation and distribution systems, thruster motors, fire-fighting pump motors as well as 25 MW propulsion systems. The propulsion system of the vessel features two Azipod thruster units (power output 2 x 7,5 MW) and one centerline arranged shafting with a fixed pitch propeller generating additional 10 MW output. All Azipod propulsion units for this project are specifically designed for extreme Arctic ice class RMRS Icebreaker-8.

ABB says that considerable gains in energy efficiency can be achieved using an Azipod propulsion system, with up to 20 percent fuel reduction. The delivery schedule is due to start in 2013 and the vessel will be delivered to Rosmorport in 2015.

“The extreme conditions north of the Arctic Circle demand constant availability and high-energy efficiency from all systems on board,” said Veli-Matti Reinikkala, head of ABB’s Process Automation division. “ABB’s solutions will ensure the reliability and maneuverability required for this type of ship’s operation. This agreement represents a very significant milestone for us, underlining our excellent reputation in the Russian market as a long-term, reliable partner and reinforcing our global leadership in supplying propulsion for icebreaking vessels.”