Procurement finalized: new icebreaker to strengthen Sweden’s preparedness

Sweden’s current large icebreakers were built in the 1970s and 1980s and are approaching the end of their technical lifespan. At the same time, the need for icebreaking is increasing, not least due to more severe winters and harsher ice conditions at sea. Without icebreaking, several ports in northern Sweden risk being closed for up to 130 days per year.

“Nine out of ten goods exported and imported to and from Sweden are transported by sea. Swedish basic industry depends on maritime transport functioning year-round. Our icebreakers have served Sweden well for decades, but now need to be gradually replaced. This is an important step in securing preparedness and keeping ports open all year round”, says Erik Eklund, Director General of the Swedish Maritime Administration.

The new icebreaker is based on a joint Swedish-Finnish design developed in collaboration with the Finnish Transport Infrastructure Agency and the design firm Railotech. The design has been validated through extensive testing in ice tanks and wind tunnels. The vessel will be larger than today’s icebreakers, capable of breaking a channel up to 32 meters wide, compared to today’s 24 meters and will reduce energy consumption by 40 percent.

The tenders were evaluated based on predetermined criteria, meaning that price, warranty and delivery formed the basis of the assessment. A total of four bids were submitted, and HD Hyundai Heavy Industries submitted the most advantageous offer.

The South Korean company is one of the world’s largest shipyards and a global player in shipbuilding and marine systems. They have delivered more than 2,300 vessels and have experience with advanced solutions, including alternative fuels such as methanol.

The renewal of the icebreaker fleet is part of a long-term effort, with planning for additional icebreakers already underway.

The name of the new icebreaker has not yet been decided.