Wärtsilä, which booked the order in July, said it was in a position to meet the requirements of the CCG to fit the 98-meter-long Arctic Class 3 Medium Icebreaker, the only vessel in its class to be equipped with retractable thrusters and DP, into the existing space.

With the existing bow thruster, which is also a Wärtsilä product, the new thrusters will be integrated.

“The Platinum DP system will exceed the functionality desired by the CCG, and will enhance the DP capacity of the vessel to perform sailing and maneuvering operations. The user interface plays a critical role in helping operators make the most of the system in the trying conditions found in Canada’s Arctic waters," said Mike Ford, Sales Manager for Americas & DP at Wärtsilä Voyage.

CCGS Amundsen, built by Burrard Dry Dock Co Ltd, is a Pierre Radisson-class icebreaker and Arctic research vessel. In 1979, the vessel entered service as Franklin and was renamed in 1980 as Sir John Franklin.

The vessel was used in 1996 in Labrador as an accommodation vessel and was placed in reserve in 2000. The ship was reactivated and converted to an Arctic research vessel in 2003.

Maritime Business World