New support icebreaker for the Antarctic
The new polar logistics vessel will be delivered in the first half of 2017
The ship has been contracted by Chantiers Piriou (Concarneau, France), based on a concept design issued by Marine Assistance (France) and is scheduled to be delivered in the first half of 2017. It will be operated by the French Navy. The 72m-long polar logistics and patrol icebreaker will carry out its first supply mission to the Dumont d'Urville station in Antarctica in winter 2018. The ship will have accommodation for 60 persons, a cargo capacity of 1,200 tonnes, and is fitted with a helideck to accommodate two helicopters.
Finland’s Wärtsilä recently announced that it will supply propulsion solutions for the vessel.
The full scope of supply comprises four in-line Wärtsilä 20 main engines, two stainless steel CPP propellers and shaft lines, two reduction gears, four NOR emissions aftertreatment systems, and one tunnel thruster. The contract for the Wärtsilä equipment was signed in October and delivery is planned for mid-2016.
