Page 48: of Maritime Reporter Magazine (November 2023)

FINLAND

Photo: Eric Haun

Captain Pasi Järvelin on the bridge of Arctia icebreaker Polaris. Järvelin has more than 40 years’ experience in the maritime industry, including 36 years on icebreakers, and was part of the concept team that developed the vessel. to build a new icebreaking vessel for the supply of its 13 to 2.5-meter-thick multiyear ice, and astern in more severe ice

Antarctic stations. In addition, Aker Arctic has helped to de- conditions such as heavy ice ridges.

velop an ice-strengthened propulsion line for the new Po- hjanmaa-class multi-role naval corvettes being built for the BREAKING THE ICE

Finnish Navy at Rauma Marine Constructors (RMC). While Finnish state-owned Arctia operates a ? eet of eight vessels not icebreakers, the naval ships will be built to withstand that provide icebreaking services for the Finnish Transport harsh winter conditions. Agency during winter. All ships calling Finnish ports are re-

Ironically, a warming planet creates new demand for ice- quired to pay fairway dues to the Finnish government, which breakers. As the world thaws, Suojanen sees opportunities uses the funds to help pay for Arctia’s service. The company opening up in the high north. The Northwest Passage is now clears frozen shipping lanes and frees any vessels that get more accessible to vessel traf? c, including cargo shipping and stuck in the ice.

expedition cruising. In 2021, Ponant's Le Commandant Char- “We’re the only country in the world where all of the ports cot was delivered, featuring a world-? rst Polar Class 2 (PC2) freeze during the winter months,” said Paavo Kojonen, Arc- hull designed by Aker Arctic. The company said the vessel’s tia’s senior vice president of icebreaking.

performance is comparable to existing polar icebreakers, but “When you come in wintertime with your vessel, you are with lower ice resistance, ensuring better fuel economy. The supposed to proceed on your own. And when you get stuck, double acting ship combines smooth icebreaking ahead in up you get assistance to the port,” Kojonen said. “Obviously, 48 Maritime Reporter & Engineering News • November 2023

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