Engineered for Shallow-Water Icebreaking
The Mangystau class icebreakers are a benchmark in designing vessels for extreme shallow-water and icy conditions—this article highlights why.
Designed by Aker Arctic for the northern Caspian Sea, these vessels demonstrate how to combine a 2.5-metre draught with a 50-tonne bollard pull — enabling year-round operations in one of the world’s most technically demanding maritime regions.
In this article, we cover:
- The propulsion system enabling high maneuverability and icebreaking in less than 3 meters of water
- Structural and safety features for operation near H₂S-emitting fields
- Full-scale validation of icebreaking capability up to 0.9 meters
- Lessons from the Mangystau class influencing future shallow-draught vessel design
- Innovative vessel concepts can be highly successful when risks are identified and managed proactively
Read how engineering precision meets harsh reality →