Operations in ice can be demanding on the ships propulsion system. Blocks of ice that are pushed under the hull can interact with the propeller in numerous ways. These interactions put extra strain on all elements of the system, from the propeller and shaft line to the bearings and seals. Aker Arctic’s solutions ensure that the complete system is strong enough without over dimensioning. The result is a reliable, while still efficient and quite solution.
The benefit Aker Arctic brings to the value chain is based on extensive background of designing and testing propulsion systems, including the world highest ice class vessels and icebreakers operating in the harshest of environments. Our experience covers all types and configurations of propulsion configurations including azimuth propulsion and bow propellers. Our designs can also be verified using our in-house model basin if required. Many of today’s standards are based upon technologies pioneered and perfected by Aker Arctic. Regardless of the prime mover, steering mechanism, or propeller location, our experience helps our customers find solutions that fit their needs.
Our solutions are based upon the best technology to suit your application. Aker Arctic has no preferred component supplier, allowing us to design, select, and supply the right components for your application. We place our customers values and needs first, ensuring the end product is not biased according to one component supplier’s recommendation.
Aker Arctic provides Engineering, Procurement, Installation & Commissioning solutions. We are also able to offer flexible solutions that are tailored to our customers needs. We can provide engineering services such as calculations and drawings for full classification society approval, and installation drawings can be delivered for equipment mounting. We can arrange procurement and installation of the complete shaft line or select components including:
- Fixed pitch propellers (bronze or stainless depending on application)
- Shafts
- Stern tube including bearings and seals
- Thrust bearing
- Bulkhead seals
- Turning and locking device
- Shaft earthing
- Rope guard and cutter
- Shaft line monitoring system.
Read more on our experience in ship equipment deliveries here
You can find some printed material here and in the articles from our Arctic Passion News:
PROPELLER EQUIPMENT DELIVERIES
Propeller delivery for Arctic Module Carrier.
The Aker Arctic designed module carriers are equipped with propellers we have custom-designed for them.The Aker Arctic designed module carriers are equipped with propellers we have custom-designed for them.
Full-scale trials of Calypso and Saimaa
Aker Arctic designed and delivered the complete shaft lines with propellers for the detachable bow and the ice-strengthened bronze propellers for the pusher
Propellers and shaft lines to Finnish Navy corvettes
Aker Arctic has been developing the propulsion line in co-operation with the Finnish Defence Forces since 2015 to ensure that the new multi-role corvettes will meet the demanding operational performance requirements of the Finnish Navy.
BRONZE PROPELLER DEVELOPMENT FOR ICE OPERATION
Full-scale ice trials with bronze propeller
In March 2016, two full-scale ice trials were performed in the Bay of Bothnia, where ice conditions are extremely hard during cold winters.
Performance with turn key solutions
The propellers, based on the results of the development program, have been installed on the Finnish ice class IA ASD tug Calypso.
Bronze propellers: Three years in use
Bronze propellers delivered by Aker Arctic for high ice class vessels have been used on the tug Calypso since 2018. Measurements show that the propellers are working well.
