The Finnish Transport Infrastructure Agency recently launched a new icebreaker concept vessel named as “Calypso”, equipped with a hybrid motorized removable bow.
Powered by Danfoss Editron, the icebreaker is currently moored in Mustola harbor in Lappeenranta, while has started operating on Lake Saimaa and the deep waterways of the surrounding area this winter.
As explained, the removable bow, the world’s largest motorized of its kind, has been delivered by Turku Repair Yard as part of the Winter Navigation Motorways of the Sea II project.
In fact, the €7.6 million scheme, co-funded by the EU Connecting Europe Facility program, aims to develop and enhance the maritime winter navigation system and its safety during the winter.
This new kind of removable bow will make the whole industry more efficient and sustainable, as it will enable virtually any kind of tug to become an icebreaker ship. Our EDITRON system is easily adaptable for future optimizations and we are eager to learn more about our supercapacitor’s ability to control the peak powers.
…as Kari Savolainen, Project Manager at Danfoss Editron, commented.
One of its key targets was the creation of a motorized icebreaking removable bow concept, which would enable ice-strengthened vessels to be used as icebreakers during the winter. This specific bow is capable of breaking ice up to 70cm thick.
Developing this innovative design concept for the removable bow and equipping it with its own propulsion system will achieve savings in capital costs, as we will charter the pusher for only part of the year. We are also expecting to see savings in fuel consumption thanks to Danfoss Editron’s hybrid propulsion system.
….Juuso Kummala, Industry Line Director at Väylä, added.
As winter temperatures in Finland can plummet to -30°C, icebreakers are a necessity even during mild winters. Introducing hybrid electric power in icebreaking operations will help the country meet its target to lower emissions by 40% by 2030 compared to 1990 levels.
