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Power and automation technology group, ABB, says that it has reached an agreement to provide the power, automation and turbocharging capabilities for "the most advanced port icebreaker ever built".

In a project that is designed to maximize fuel efficiency and manoeuvrability, ABB has agreed to supply four Azipod thrusters, adapted for the tough ice conditions, and a DC Grid system - to distribute energy effectively. The main engine will also be fitted with Power2 800-M, described by ABB as "the most advanced two-stage turbocharging system in the industry, enabling highest efficiency turbocharging performance".

Peter Terweisch, Group Senior Vice President, Process Automation commented, "ABB's marine applications are at the forefront of the icebreaking market with our process automation technology now central to the world's most advanced icebreaking vessel. We are very pleased to be able to deliver industry leading levels of efficiency and safety by providing so many ABB latest generation solutions on one vessel."

The new vessel will include ABB's Onboard DC Grid system, which allows diesel engines to run at variable speeds, rather than one fixed speed, which is important when managing ice conditions. This flexibility can also cut fuel use and emissions, ABB says.

Two pairs of Azipod thrusters are to be fitted on the bow and stern of the ship, all of which will be adapted to the conditions. They will be equipped with powerful 3-megawatt electric motors. One of the key features of Azipod propulsion is that they turn 360 degrees, allowing the ship's crew to manoeuvre the vessel to operate stern or bow first.

Aker Arctic's Mika Hovilainen, responsible for developing the vessel concept, said: "The harbour icebreaker is a totally new concept especially developed for heavy harbour ice conditions with extensive thick brash ice. Having four Azipod units helps to take operability, manoeuvrability and ice management capability to one step further. Along with ABB Marine and Ports, we continue to be at the cutting edge of icebreaking technology."

ABB added: "Integrated Power and Energy Management System and Marine Automation System brings together main elements of the ships performance, like power generation and propulsion, into a centralized system allowing the operator to increase efficiency and safety.

"The Power2 800-M two-stage turbocharging system on the icebreaker's Wärtsilä 31 engine will further enhance fuel efficiency and also flexibility of operations. With a low pressure and high pressure stage, it provides higher air pressure ratios, up to 12 from 8 in the previous generation. Compared to a single-stage turbocharger operating at 65-70 percent efficiency, Power2 800-M goes beyond 75 percent efficiency, the only system currently available across the large engine industry with this capability.

"It responds to the need for new marine engine technology to offer consistency of performance across conventional and newer marine fuel options. This application will demonstrate the advances in efficiency and power density now available for four-stroke engines operating across a wide range of load profiles and facing added demands of emissions legislation."

The vessel is to be built at Vyborg Shipyard in Russia.