A new icebreaking research vessel built for the Norwegian governmental body for oceanographic research and fishing, was delivered this week in Norway.
After the building process was completed at Fincantieri’s Integrated shipyard of Riva Trigoso and Muggiano in Italy, the new vessel, named Kronprins Haakon, sailed to the Vard Langsten shipyard in Norway for final tests and preparation for delivery to the Institute of Marine Research (IMR).
The 9,000-gross-ton icebreaker is more than 100 meters long, 21 wide and can reach speeds up to 15 knots. She is able to move independently through ice up to one meter thick. She is built to ensure minimum environmental impact and reduced underwater noise, so as to allow studies on fish and marine mammals.
Although specifically tailored to the Arctic, Kronprins Haakon will be able to carry out oceanographic and hydrographic research activities in any area of operation. The vessel features a range of state-of-the-art sensors and equipment for performing various scientific tasks such as geology, geophysics, chemistry and seismology studies. The vessel will conduct missions on a global scale and will be used to study the modalities and consequences of climate change in the Arctic environment.
At the bow, the ship’s hangar is able to accommodate two helicopters and is equipped with complex instrumentation able to investigate the morphology and geology of the seabed.
The vessel can accommodate 55 people, including research personnel, students and crew, in 38 cabins and is outfitted with the highest comfort standards for passenger ships.