Germany's icebreaker to get largest ever 360-degree propulsion system

Germany’s research icebreaker Polarstern is undergoing a significant upgrade featuring the largest-ever 360-degree azimuth propulsion system to enhance its polar exploration capabilities sustainably. Funded by the Federal Ministry of Research, Technology and Space, the new propulsion setup includes two massive 160 PULL ARC LM azimuth thrusters with 4.8-meter diameter blades, each generating nine megawatts of power. Complementing these rotating propellers is a 5.4-meter five-bladed fixed pitch stainless steel propeller, creating a dual-mode propulsion system that balances powerful icebreaking with precise maneuverability. This advanced system is developed through a collaboration between the Alfred Wegener Institute, shipbuilder TKMS, and Finnish companies Wärtsilä, Steerprop, and Aker Arctic. The vessel’s propulsion will be powered by Wärtsilä main engines capable of producing 33.1 megawatts of diesel-electric power, with two engines featuring dual-fuel capability to run on both diesel and green meth