Methanol-ready Aker ARC 130 S icebreaker for Sweden making progress

In Finland, development of the next-generation Baltic assistance icebreaker has progressed to the next phase. The Aker ARC 130 S design has been finalized in close co-operation with the Swedish Maritime Administration (SMA) and optimized for Sweden’s icebreaking needs.

The decision to construct at least two new icebreakers for Sweden was made in December 2022. The first vessel is planned to be delivered in 2026 and the second about a year later.
Currently, SMA is evaluating shipyards which would have the expertise and possibility to build the vessels.
This assessment should be ready in February 2023. The initial concept was prepared with the possibility of adapting the design for various alternative fuels. After Sweden selected renewable methanol as the future non-fossil fuel of its next-generation icebreakers, the design was finalized to consider the special requirements of methanol fuel and to maximize achievable autonomy time during assistance icebreaking operations.