Life Extension for World’s Oldest Icebreaker

A comprehensive dry docking and life extension plan has been set out for the 62-year-old Finnish icebreaker Voima, continuing its run as the world’s oldest operational icebreaker.

Commissioned in 1954, Voima is part of Arctia’s icebreaker fleet and has demonstrated its reliability in the Baltic Sea over the decades, serving as model for many four-propeller icebreakers built after it.

In accordance with the life extension plan agreed upon by Arctia and Turku Repair Yard, Voima will move to the repair yard in Naantali, Finland in the beginning of June 2016 for works to be completed in September 2016. These include extensive renewal of the hull’s steel structures and machinery equipment. In dry dock Voima’s machinery, deck equipment and accommodation will be overhauled.

“This life extension will ensure Voima’s operational capability for at least another 10 years,” said Kari Patrakka, SVP for Technology at Arctia. “The extension is part of our fleet’s upgrade and renewal program. Voima continues its important work assisting merchant vessels in Finland’s coastal waters.”