Giant Icebreaker - Hyundai Heavy testing 190,000 DWT ice-breaking ore carrier

Hyundai Heavy Industries says it has completed final performance testing on a scale model of a 190,000 DWT icebreaking iron ore carrier that, once completed, will be the world’s largest ice-breaking commercial ship.

Measuring 310m long by 51 m wide, the vessel will be able carry twice as much cargo as similar ships built to date, and capable of navigating in 1.7m thick ice at a speed of 6 knots. The vessel will be up to two times faster and operate with 5% increased fuel efficiency.

The ship will be equipped with a dual propulsion system with two ring type propellers to increase mobility, an ice-strengthened hull, and special shape to expedite ice-clearing.

Demand for ice-breaking commercial ships is expected to increase as Arctic sea ice continues to retreat, opening vital shipping routes and easing exploration of natural gas, oil and iron ore in the area.

Hyundai Heavy said it has also been developing a special welding technology for polar LNG carrier tanks and LNG FPSO since June 2010. This is part of HHI’s long term strategy for the expected increase in demand for LNG carriers and LNG FPSOs to be used in the arctic regions as interest in natural gas development in that area has been growing.

Photo: A Model Ship of Ice-breaking 190,000 DWT Iron Ore Carrier via HHI