U.S. Icebreaker Build Plan Moves Forward at Warp Speed
will construct up to four cutters in the U.S; the first U.S.-built vessel is expected in 2029.Seaspan’s MPI design ... originally designed for the Canadian Coast Guard’s (CCG) long-range, multi-mission operations in extreme Arctic conditions ... was developed in partnership with Aker Arctic Technology Inc. of Finland (Aker) and under Canada’s National Shipbuilding Strategy (NSS), is ready for production enabling construction on the ASC program to begin immediately. Image courtesy SeaspanDesign and engineering of the MPI was completed almost entirely in Canada. Seaspan
Icebreaker Construction: Seaspan, Bollinger, Rauma and Aker Arctic Team to Build USCG Icebreakers
of the world’s operating icebreakers, provides the technological backbone of the partnership. “Together, we will leverage our expertise to build state-of-the-art icebreakers that meet the highest standards of mission capability and reliability,” said Mika Hovilainen, CEO of Aker Arctic Technology.The Seaspan-Aker Multi-Purpose Icebreaker (MPI) design exceeds all Coast Guard ASC requirements and supports all 11 statutory missions. Capable of breaking four feet of ice, traveling 12,000 nautical miles, and operating over 60 days without resupply, the MPI design is shared with the Canadian
Aker Arctic & Navis Engineering Agree DP Collaboration
Aker Arctic Technology Inc and Navis Engineering Oy have signed an agreement on joint development of Dynamic Positioning systems for ice operation. The companies plan to jointly develop next-generation DP-system technology tailored for ice operation by utilizing their core know how and technologies. The development includes improved control algorithms, testing of the systems and utilising new more intelligent technology to overcome the ice challenges. The development work will take place in close co-operation with Aker Arctic Technology in Helsinki and Navis Engineering R&D Centre in St.
Aker Arctic to Design Icebreaker for Finnish Government
The Finnish Transport Agency signed a contract with Aker Arctic Technology Oy for design of a new icebreaker for the government. Aker Arctic in cooperation with ILS Oy will design the vessel and prepare the technical documents needed to hold tender for its construction in compliance with the performance requirements for the vessel, and will assist the Finnish Transport Agency in negotiations with shipyards later this autumn. The government has already taken earlier a decision in principle to procure a new icebreaker; and 125 million euro has been earmarked for its construction by winter 2016.
February 2026
