The close cooperation of the Finnish Maritime industry is evidenced in the highly capable icebreaking ships that it produces. Icebreakers are essential to Finland’s existence, as the specialized ships enable the country to keep its shipping lanes operational during the harshest winter months. However, traditional icebreaker design made for poor navigating vessels in open water, and thus were rendered useful during only the winter months. This was acceptable, but very expensive, as icebreakers by nature represent a significant maintenance challenge and cost. The solution: creating a new design icebreaker that could be used, profitably, year-round.