The Canadian Coast Guard’s upcoming icebreaker, Polar Max, will feature ABB’s advanced Azipod® propulsion system. This milestone project integrates industrial automation and control systems to meet extreme Arctic demands while strengthening international shipbuilding collaboration.
Strategic Collaboration Drives Arctic Shipbuilding Innovation
The Polar Max icebreaker marks a unique partnership between Helsinki Shipyard in Finland and Davie Shipbuilding in Canada. Davie’s acquisition of Helsinki Shipyard in 2023 enabled this cross-border initiative, combining Arctic engineering expertise with Canadian operational needs.
This 22,800-tonne, 138.5-meter vessel will support year-round missions including icebreaking, emergency towing, oil spill response, and northern resupply. The project reflects Canada’s National Shipbuilding Strategy and aligns with the ICE Pact—a trilateral effort between Canada, Finland, and the U.S. to advance polar vessel design.
ABB Azipod® Propulsion: Proven Performance in Ice Conditions
ABB’s Azipod® electric propulsion units deliver 18MW of thrust, offering unmatched maneuverability and reliability in ice-covered waters. Unlike conventional shaftline systems, Azipod® units rotate 360 degrees, reducing fuel consumption and enhancing control—critical for polar navigation.
ABB’s solution includes shaftline motors, drives, transformers, generators, switchboards, and LTO batteries. These components integrate seamlessly with ABB’s power and energy management system, ensuring operational efficiency and safety under extreme conditions.
Advanced Control Systems Elevate Bridge Operations
ABB’s AX Bridge system simplifies ship maneuvering by providing a unified situational overview. This innovation enhances crew decision-making and reduces cognitive load, especially during complex icebreaking or emergency operations.
From a factory automation perspective, AX Bridge reflects the convergence of marine control systems with industrial automation principles—leveraging real-time data, PLC integration, and intuitive HMI interfaces.
Industrial Automation Expertise Strengthens Vessel Reliability
ABB’s comprehensive scope of supply demonstrates deep expertise in control systems and marine automation. The integration of DCS architecture with energy management tools ensures optimal performance across propulsion, navigation, and auxiliary systems.
This approach mirrors best practices in industrial automation, where modular design and predictive diagnostics improve uptime and reduce lifecycle costs.
Strengthening Global Shipbuilding Through Technology Transfer
The Polar Max project exemplifies how technology transfer and industrial collaboration can elevate national capabilities. By combining Finnish design with Canadian production, the project fosters knowledge exchange and expands domestic shipbuilding capacity.
Moreover, it showcases how automation technologies—traditionally used in manufacturing—can be adapted for mission-critical maritime applications.
Author Commentary: A Model for Future Arctic Vessels
ABB’s involvement in Polar Max reinforces its leadership in ice-class propulsion. As climate change opens new Arctic routes, demand for robust, automated vessels will grow. Projects like this set a benchmark for integrating control systems, energy efficiency, and operational resilience.
For automation professionals, this case highlights the importance of cross-domain expertise—where marine, energy, and factory automation intersect to solve complex engineering challenges.
Application Scenario: Integrated Automation for Polar Missions
In future deployments, Polar Max could serve as a platform for remote diagnostics, autonomous navigation trials, and real-time environmental monitoring. ABB’s scalable architecture supports these innovations, making the vessel a testbed for next-generation control systems in extreme environments.