Icebreakers are essential for safe, year-round transport in some of the harshest marine environments. In the Arctic and other ice-covered seas, vessels must operate under extreme conditions where performance and reliability are critical.
Designing propulsion for ice-class vessels requires specialized expertise, as each region presents unique challenges. Steerprop has decades of experience in Arctic and ice operations, with more than 90 propulsion units delivered worldwide. Today, one in three icebreakers with azimuth propulsion relies on Steerprop technology. Our first Arctic thrusters have run for over 15 years and 600,000 hours without a single bearing replacement or gearbox opening.
Steerprop’s azimuth propulsors are built for ice. With full 360-degree thrust, they open fairways, clear ridges, release trapped vessels, and protect offshore installations. Solutions such as the CRP ECO ARC and PULL ECO ARC combine powerful icebreaking with fuel efficiency, reliability, and automation. The contra-rotating propeller (CRP) system delivers superior thrust in both open water and ice, with a narrow slipstream that minimizes clogging.
Our expertise also includes ice-class tunnel thrusters designed to meet requirements without ice grids, reducing clogging and simplifying maintenance. All Steerprop units are supported by Steerprop Care, an integrated monitoring system that ensures predictability and reliability throughout the vessel’s lifecycle.
Trusted by governments, navies, and commercial operators worldwide, Steerprop sets the benchmark for dependable and efficient propulsion in Arctic and icebreaking applications.
These Steerprop solutions are especially suitable for harsh Arctic conditions:
Selected References
Since 2000, we at Steerprop have added value to our customers’ operations and contributed to their success through our unwavering resolve to perform.
Below, please find few carefully selected references. Full reference listing is available on request.
