The US Coast Guard’s next icebreaker is based on a German research vessel, and is also equipped with a Finnish propulsion design. The vessel will be driven by American diesels, according to shipbuilder VT Halter Marine.
The US Department of the Navy had appointed VT Halter Marine to be the prime contractor of a $745,940,860 contract for the construction of USCG’s Heavy Polar Icebreaker.
The ship will be designed based on the ‘Polar Stern II’, while the construction team has also gradually adjusted the design and carried out a series of five ship model tank tests, aiming to achieve the ideal design.
The vessel will be 460 feet in length, featuring a beam of 88 feet, and a full load displacement of about 33,000 long tons. As for the propulsion, it will be diesel electric and able to break ice between six to eight feet thick.
It will also accommodate 186 personnel for a period of 90 days.
VT Halter Marine cooperated with ABB/Trident Marine for its Azipod propulsion system, Raytheon for command and control systems integration, Caterpillar for the main engines, Jamestown Metal Marine for joiner package, and Bronswerk for the HVAC system.
