Finland Demonstrates Ice Technology Expertise With Innovative And Sustainable Icebreaker Vessel
The Finnish Transport Infrastructure Agency has actually released the Calypso, a brand-new icebreaker principle watercraft outfitted with an ingenious crossbreed mechanized detachable bow powered byDanfoss Editron The icebreaker vessel is presently tied in Mustola nurture in Lappeenranta and also has actually started operating Lake Saimaa and also the deep rivers of the bordering location this wintertime.
The detachable bow, the globe’s biggest motorized of its kind, has actually been provided by Turku Repair Yard as component of the Winter Navigation Motorways of the Sea II job. The EUR7.6 million system, co-funded by the EU Connecting Europe Facility program, intends to create and also improve the maritime wintertime navigating system and also its safety and security throughout the wintertime.
One of its vital targets was the development of a mechanized icebreaking detachable bow principle, which would certainly allow ice-strengthened vessels to be made use of as icebreakers throughout the wintertime. This particular bow can damaging ice up to 70cm thick.

Image Credits: danfoss.com
Danfoss Editron’s hybrid-electric system is powering the detachable bow with 2 generators, developed as a DC system, and also 2 propulsion systems. The business has actually additionally supplied a front supercapacitor to make sure that peak powers can be successfully regulated. The EDITRON software program additionally reduces gas and also supplies high performances as the diesel generators in the DC system can be driven at variable rates. The power strategy and also propulsion system of the detachable bow have actually been developed to be run from the pusher yank wheelhouse, while the equipment can run unmanned.
Kari Savolainen, Project Manager at Danfoss Editron, commented:
“We have operations in Lappeenranta, so we can see first-hand how harsh winter conditions directly impact shipping transport. 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.”
Juuso Kummala, Industry Line Director at Väylä, included:
“Lake Saimaa’s ice is more solid than sea ice and can reach up to 80cm 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.”
As wintertime temperature levels in Finland can drop to -30 ° C, icebreakers are a requirement also throughout moderate winters months. Introducing crossbreed electrical power in icebreaking procedures will certainly aid the nation satisfy its target to reduced exhausts by 40% by 2030 contrasted to 1990 degrees.
Reference: danfoss.com