Cooperation in icebreaker design
Rendering of ILS’s icebreaker with DIBB (Source: ILS Ship Design and Engineering)
Canadian marine architect Vard Marine Inc, owned by Italian group Fincantieri, has agreed cooperation with Finland’s ILS Oy to develop designs for the world icebreaker market and to address the challenges of ice-capable shipping worldwide. They aim to help shipbuilders, shipowners and operators in developing fit-for-purpose and sustainable vessel designs for both public and private sectors projects.
One area of cooperation will be the further development and implementation of ILS’ detachable icebreaking bow (DIBB) in new markets. The ILS DIBB, with its independent power plant, allows icebreaking to become a modular capability that can be added to new and existing ships as and when required, rather than being built into the vessel with size, weight, cost and efficiency advantages.
Vard Marine’s CEO, Wade Carson notes “Our agreement with ILS Oy will assist both companies in helping current and new clients in identifying their needs and in providing the designs that address these." ILS’ CEO, Kristian Lehtonen adds, “During the last five years, we have done design and consulting work for paying customers in 14 different countries. Cooperation with the highly skilled professionals of Vard Marine will further expand our horizons."
