Finland’s breaking the ice – new self-propelled hybrid removable bow

The Finnish Transport Infrastructure Agency has launched the Calypso, a new icebreaker concept boat equipped with an innovative hybrid motorised removable bow powered by Danfoss Editron.

The icebreaker vessel is currently moored in Mustola harbor in Lappeenranta and has begun operating on Lake Saimaa and the deep waterways of the surrounding area this winter.

The removable bow was delivered by Turku Repair Yard as part of the Winter Navigation Motorways of the Sea II project. The €7.6 mln scheme, co-funded by the EU Connecting Europe Facility programme, aims to develop and enhance the maritime winter navigation system and its safety this winter. A key target was the creation of a motorised icebreaking removable bow concept, which would enable ice-strengthened vessels to be used as icebreakers. This specific bow is capable of breaking ice up to 70cm thick.

The hybrid-electric system has two generators, built as a DC system, and two propulsion systems. There is also a front supercapacitor so that peak powers can be efficiently controlled. Fuel efficiency has also been improved through software optimisation.

As winter temperatures in Finland can plummet to -30°C, icebreakers are a necessity even during mild winters. Introducing hybrid electric power in icebreaking operations will help the country meet its target to lower emissions by 40% by 2030 compared to 1990 levels.