Research icebreaker "Polarstern 2" receives large 360-degree propulsion system
The research icebreaker "Polarstern 2" is being fitted with the world's largest 360-degree propulsion systems. But it will be a while before the ship sets sail.
The illustration shows what the "Polarstern 2" will look like after completion.
(Image: TKMS)
The planned German icebreaker for climate and polar research "Polarstern 2" will have the largest 360-degree drives for ships in the world. The propeller diameter of the movable drive alone is almost 5 meters. The contracts with the shipyard ThyssenKrupp Marine Systems (TKMS), the ship supplier Wärtsilä as well as the ship propulsion specialists Steerprop and the technical consultancy Aker Artic, who are jointly building and implementing the propulsion system, have already been concluded. Polarstein 2 is funded by the German Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF).
Two SP 160 Pull Arc azimuth thrusters from Steerprop are to be used in the research vessel "Polarstern 2". The two drives have propellers with a diameter of 4.8 m and can be moved 360 degrees for maneuvering. These are currently the largest electric 360-degree azimuth thrusters in the world. They will each deliver 9 MW of power. The "Polarstern 2" will have a centerline propeller as its main propulsion system, which will be driven by a fixed shaft in the middle of the ship. The five-bladed fixed pitch propeller has a diameter of 5.4 meters. The centerline propeller is built by Aker Artic.
Low-noise propulsion
The boat is powered by a total of four Wärtsilä W31 engines with a combined diesel-electric output of 33.1 MW. Two of the engines are dual-fuel capable. They can be fueled with both diesel and green methanol. The generators of the integrated hybrid electric drive system are designed to operate particularly quietly. The "Polarstern 2" will also be equipped with a battery system for energy storage so that the ship can operate emission-free for up to four hours without generators –, for example to carry out research work.
The emissions emitted will be minimized as far as possible by an exhaust gas filter system and a catalytic converter for exhaust gas aftertreatment. According to the Alfred Wegener Institute (AWI), which is responsible for carrying out the "Polarstern 2" project, acoustic pollution should also be kept to a minimum. ICES Guideline 209 will be complied with in order to minimize the acoustic impact on the underwater world.
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With a length of 160 meters and a width of 27 meters, the "Polarstern 2" is to be used as an icebreaker in Arctic regions to conduct climate and polar research. The ship has space for around 60 researchers and 50 crew members. The "Polarstern 2" will use new technology, including underwater robots and drones, to replace the previous research vessel "Polarstern", which has been in service for 42 years. It is planned that the "Polarstern 2" will enter service in 2030.
(olb)
