Seoul, KOREA ¶ Dec 13, 2011 (Whowired) --  Arctech Helsinki Shipyard, set up jointly by STX Finland and United Shipbuilding Corporation, Russia, said on the 8th (local time) that it received an order for an ice-breaking rescue tug valued at 120 billion won, or 76.0 million euro, from the Russian Ministry of Transport.

Upon completion, the 76.4-m long and 20.5-m wide vessel will be delivered to the client at the end of 2013. Its design is based on ‘ARC 100,’ which helps maximize ice-breaking technology. This design concept was solely developed by Aker Arctic Technology, a subsidiary of STX Finland. With the help of its three propellers, the ice-breaker will be able to operate efficiently in the arctic regions.

The ice breaking tug can proceed in two driving mode: It can move on by breaking 1.0-m or smaller ice cubes in front and back, or by generating a 50- m wide channel surrounding it in the case of ice cubes 0.6-m thick or less.

In addition, the ice breaking tug features cutting-edge technologies for oil spill prevention and sea towing of vessels and floating facilities. It is also designed to resist high waves.

Last year STX Finland won a contract for ice-breakers from Russia via Arctech Helsinki Shipyard. The shipbuilder now sees the latest order for a rescue ice-breaker as an opportunity to ensure a stronger foothold in winning the country’s future orders for special vessels for arctic environments.

by Sophia Park (press@whowired.com)