Therefore , this is not the first time that the two countries are working together on icebreaking innovation . In addition , Finland brings into the project its rather recent experience from Polaris , the LNGpowered ice breaker built five years ago .
Mika Laurilehto , interim CEO , Rauma Marine Constructions ( RMC ), says that the Swedish Maritime Administration has already made preliminary inquiries about whether RMC would be interested in building the vessels . Laurilehto deems the project worthwhile and , in fact , really necessary :
“ It is clear that the fairways in the Baltic Sea area must stay open throughout the coldest months of the year . The icebreaker fleet in the Baltic has to be able to perform their invaluable tasks also in the future ,” he says .
WANTED : MORE SUSTAINABLE ICEBREAKERS
Laurilehto says that the next generation of icebreakers must respond to great expectations when it comes to performance and eco-friendliness .
“ Their emissions must be significantly lower than those of their predecessors in the Urho and Atle class . Also , they must be able to break a 32-metre-wide channel in the ice , endure tough conditions that are becoming even more severe , and operate for up to 50 years ,” he runs down the list of requirements .
To be able to build such icebreakers , a shipyard must have know-how in arctic shipbuilding and the ability to implement new technology and innovations in a way that increases the icebreaking capabilities of the vessels while cutting down emissions . Moreover , previous experience from public-sector procurements plays an important role : knowing the process and necessary preparations makes collaboration between the buyer and builder smoother .
RMC KNOWS ICEBREAKERS
” Shipbuilders in Rauma have plenty of experience in building vessels for challenging weather conditions ”, Laurilehto points out .
“ RMC has been operating the Rauma shipyard from 2014 , and during this time we have upgraded the operative capabilities of icebreaker Otso , done a general overhaul and modernisation of research vessel Aranda , and built two car and passenger ferries : Hammershus , completed in 2018 , and Aurora Botnia , completed in 2021 .”
Multi-Purpose Icebreaker Fennica at RMC ’ s shipyard in Rauma , Finland .
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