GE to supply marine propulsion system for Chilean Navy icebreaker

Chilean Navy's icebreaking vessel. Credit: GE Corporation.

GE’s Marine Solutions has been selected by Asmar shipyards to deliver a full, integrated marine propulsion system for the Chilean Navy’s new Antarctic icebreaking Polar-class vessel.

The new 110m-long vessel has been designed to replace the navy’s current retired icebreaker.

It is expected provide assistance to the Chilean Navy’s Antarctic expedition during search and rescue missions and scientific research operations, as well as provide logistic support and help resupply bases in the Chilean Antarctic Territory.

The navy’s new icebreaker will be equipped with a marine propulsion system to power and propel the vessel.

It will also feature diesel-electric propulsion, GE’s International Maritime Organization’s (IMO) Tier 3-compliant diesel engine, a complete propulsion shaft line and propeller, a tunnel thruster, SeaLyte Dynamic Positioning (DP) and a vessel automation system.

The IMO Tier 3 diesel engine helps cut down major carbon emissions by up to 70% and does not require any additional onboard selective catalytic reduction (SCR) system or storage provisions for urea.

It also does not require dockside support infrastructure for urea storage and processing applications.

GE Marine Solutions general manager Andy McKeran said: “This project is a prime example that demonstrates the value of a full-system solution.

“GE will be responsible for manufacturing and procuring all equipment and integrating it into a system to achieve improved reliability, de-risking the project.

“Our cutting-edge clean technology also stands out as a key differentiator to enable a cleaner marine environment, building a vessel that is fit for its mission.”

The Polar-class icebreaker is set to be equipped with 14.5MW of installed power and will be capable of breaking 1m of ice at 3k.