Icebreaking tanker features advanced automation

JUNE 1, 2017 — Finland’s Valmet Oy will supply automation for an arctic icebreaking NB 515 tanker for demanding conditions being built by Arctech Helsinki Shipyard Inc. in Finland.

“This tanker is a very powerful Arctic icebreaking tanker. Its automation system will control not only the machinery systems but also the complete cargo system. In this respect too, the vessel will be very advanced,” says Esko Mustamäki, CEO of Arctech Helsinki Shipyard Inc.

Valmet’s delivery for the vessel includes a Valmet DNA automation system, commissioning and training.

“An Arctic tanker that operates in demanding ice conditions needs a reliable automation system. That’s what our Valmet DNA provides. In addition to high reliability, all its functions feature redundancy,” says Heikki Tanner, Sales Manager, Automation Business Line, Valmet.

The NB 515 tanker will be built to operate from the Yamal Peninsula to Europe and Asia. It is designed by Arctech and measures 229 m in length and 32.5 m in breadth. The tanker will be able to operate independently in the demanding ice conditions of the Northern Sea Route. Its main duty is to secure safe transportation of gas condensate year-round.

The vessel will be built to ice class Arc 7, and it will reliably break almost two-meter-thick ice.