frej icebreaker

The Swedish Maritime Administration has placed a major order with Finland-based Protacon to upgrade two Atle-class icebreakers, Atle and Frej.

Under this fourth order, Protacon will be responsible for upgrading electric propulsion drives and drive control systems for the icebreakers.

Protacon project manager Marko Loisa said: "It is a pleasure to see that the customer trusts in our know-how and we are very proud of being entrusted with the modernisation of these ships.

"The digitalisation of the control system of the old DC drive is a cost-efficient solution. At the same time, the automation systems of the ships will be upgraded to modern PLC technology."

"The automation systems of the ships will be upgraded to modern PLC technology."

As part of the deal, which includes maintenance and helpdesk services, the company will deliver performance assurance and annual maintenance of the systems.

The modernisation programme will bring the older vessels in-line with the newer icebreakers, to facilitate their usability and maintenace.

Upgrade works will also increase the lifespan of the ships, which are almost 40 years old, and improve their operational reliability.

In the recent past, Protacon had delivered similar modernisations for the Finnish icebreaker, Urho, and the Swedish Ymer.

Image: Swedish Atle-class icebreaker, Frej. Photo: courtesy of Marcusroos.