Italian shipbuilder Fincantieri, known for building some of the world’s most prominent superyachts such as the 140m M/Y Ocean Victory and the 134m M/Y Serene also builds ships of all sizes for industrial purposes. It most recently launched an oceanographic icebreaker for the Norwegian government at its Muggiano shipyard. The icebreaker is ultimately scheduled for delivery by the end of 2017.
Fincantieri’s M/Y Ocean Victory. Photo by Jarrad @ superyachts_gibraltar
According to Fincantieri’s press release, “Kronprins Haakon will operate in the polar waters and will be one of the most advanced icebreakers in the world, providing a high-tech facility for the study of the marine environment. With a gross tonnage of about 9,000 tons, 100 meters long and 21 meters wide, the vessel will be able to accommodate 55 people in 38 cabins – research personnel, students and crew – and will be fitted out with the highest standards of comfort for passenger ships. Its hangar at the bow will have two helicopters and the unit will be equipped with complex instrumentation able to investigate the morphology and geology of the seabed.”
Kronprins Haakon boasts a cruising speed of 15 knots and the ability to move through ice up to one meter thick without disturbing the environment. Per Fincantieri’s press release, the icebreaker was built “according to criteria ensuring minimum environmental impact and reduced radiation of noise underwater, so as to allow studies on fish and marine mammals.”