Finnish propulsion expert Steerprop and Seaspan Shipyards have strengthened their partnership on the development of Canada’s next-generation polar icebreaker. Initially selected in late 2023 to supply two advanced ice-classed bow thrusters for the new flagship vessel, Steerprop will now also support the integration of the tunnel thruster into the vessel, ensuring peak hydrodynamic performance, smoother coordination with the shipyard, and reduced lifecycle costs.
Seaspan’s heavy polar icebreaker is one of the most powerful vessels of its kind under development globally and will play a critical role in maintaining Canada’s year-round Arctic presence.
“This enhanced scope demonstrates our deep commitment to customer outcomes, not just components,” said Juho Rekola, Director, Sales & Project Management, Steerprop. “Tunnel thrusters are often overlooked compared to main propulsion, but in Arctic operations, their reliability and performance are mission-critical. Steerprop ensures they’re treated with the same engineering precision.”
Steerprop’s thruster technology is already renowned in ice-class applications for its gridless design, allowing the units to operate without the protective grids typically used to shield against ice buildup. This innovation simplifies installation, increases efficiency, and lowers maintenance burdens—crucial factors for vessels operating in remote, harsh environments.
As part of the expanded collaboration, Steerprop and Seaspan have co-developed structural enhancements to the tunnel entrances—including customized roundings and tunnel extensions—to further improve flow characteristics and thruster effectiveness. Steerprop has now been entrusted with engineering and manufacturing this bespoke solution.
“We are pleased to expand our work with Steerprop as we continue to advance the design and construction of this critical vessel,” said Norman Hannaford, Senior Program Director – Polar, Seaspan Shipyards. “Their expertise in Arctic-capable thruster systems supports our goal of delivering a ship that will perform reliably in some of the world’s most extreme maritime environments—helping safeguard Canadian sovereignty and deliver services to Northern communities.”
The advanced tunnel thrusters will be essential to the icebreaker’s ability to carry out year-round missions in some of the world’s most demanding waters—supporting emergency response, scientific research, and vital services for Arctic communities. In addition, their uniquely optimized hydrodynamic and technical design will enable prolonged, energy-efficient Dynamic Positioning (DP) operations, further enhancing the vessel’s capability and operational endurance in harsh environments.
