Finland Taps Helsinki Shipyard to Build Replacement for Oldest Icebreaker

The Finnish Transport Infrastructure Agency has selected Helsinki Shipyard to build a new 10.5-MW icebreaker, replacing the 72-year-old Voima, the world's oldest icebreaker still in active service. Based on Railotech's ARC 152 B+ design, the medium-class vessel is targeted for delivery in September 2029, with construction starting in 2027. Designed for a 50-year service life with energy efficiency in mind, the vessel has received a record 42 million euros in EU funding.

 

Details of the Selection

 

Finland has chosen a builder for its new icebreaker. The Finnish Transport Infrastructure Agency selected Helsinki Shipyard. The vessel will be Finland's next-generation icebreaker. It will replace the 72-year-old vessel Voima. Construction is due to start in 2027.

The chosen shipyard has notable connections. Helsinki Shipyard is officially known as DNY Finland Oy. It is owned by the Inocea Group. The group's Davie Defense was selected to build Arctic cutters for the US Coast Guard. This links the yard to the so-called Finland Model of shipbuilding cooperation.

 

The Vessel's Design

 

The new vessel uses an established ice-class design. It is based on Railotech's ARC 152 B+ design. This falls between heavy Class A and medium Class B icebreakers. The vessel is classified as a Polar Class 5 Icebreaker. It is designed for demanding winter conditions.

The vessel has substantial physical specifications. It measures 96 metres in length with a 24-metre beam. Its icebreaking draught is between 7 and 8 metres. It has a displacement of 7,500 tonnes. Its bollard pull is approximately 120 tonnes.

 

Deployment and Operations

 

The vessel will serve across Finnish waters. It will be deployed to the Bothnian Bay in early winter. It will later transfer to other areas as conditions intensify. These include the Bothnian Sea or the Gulf of Finland. This flexible deployment matches the progression of the ice season.

The vessel's icebreaking performance is strong. Ice model tests indicate speeds exceeding 8 knots in 80-centimetre ice. It can exceed 9 knots in 60-centimetre ice. Both figures surpass the agency's initial requirements. It can also maintain continuous motion in 1.5-metre level ice.

 

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Environmental and Efficiency Features

 

The vessel is designed with sustainability in mind. It is built for a 50-year service life. Energy efficiency and lower carbon-intensity fuels shaped the design. It will have a 10.5 MW power plant. This can transition to methanol fuel in the future.

Additional features support its efficiency goals. The vessel will have a battery energy storage system. A waste-heat recovery system is also fitted. These technologies reduce the vessel's environmental impact. They reflect a focus on efficiency across its long service life.

 

Replacing a Historic Vessel

 

The new vessel replaces a landmark ship. The Voima was completed in 1954. It briefly held the title of the world's most powerful icebreaker. It is now the world's oldest icebreaker still in active service. Replacing it marks the end of an era for Finnish icebreaking.

The agency stressed the continuing need for icebreakers. Officials noted that severe ice conditions will not disappear. Winter navigation relies on long-standing expertise and cooperation. Ensuring the project proceeds as planned is a priority. A new, high-quality vessel will serve Finland well into the future.

 

Funding and Significance

 

The project has secured substantial EU support. It received 42 million euros in funding. This came from the EU's Connecting Europe Facility transport instrument. It is the largest such grant ever awarded to Finland. This funding underscores the project's significance.

The project carries broader strategic importance. Icebreakers are essential to Finnish winter navigation. They keep shipping lanes open during harsh conditions. The new vessel secures this capability for decades. Its delivery in 2029 will modernise Finland's icebreaking fleet.