SEOUL, July 02 (AJP) - South Korea has taken a significant step in expanding its polar research capabilities with the selection of Hanwha Ocean as the preferred bidder to construct the country’s next-generation icebreaking research vessel.
The vessel, to be built under the supervision of the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries, is scheduled for delivery by December 2029.
The new ship will more than double the capacity of the country’s first and only existing icebreaker, the Araon, launched in 2009.
At 16,560 gross tons, the vessel will feature a Polar Class 3 hull capable of breaking through 1.5 meters of ice while operating in temperatures as low as minus 45 degrees Celsius. It is designed to function both forward and backward in heavy ice, allowing for greater flexibility in extreme conditions.
Equipped with a dual-fuel LNG-electric propulsion system, the vessel will also adhere to tightening global emissions regulations.
Its onboard amenities — including upgraded living quarters, lounges, and dining areas — are being designed to near cruise-ship standards to accommodate researchers during prolonged deployments in remote polar regions.
“This next-generation platform is a complete departure from Araon,” a Hanwha Ocean spokesperson said. “It is designed as an entirely new scientific base at sea, optimized for future challenges in polar research and climate studies.”
Hanwha Ocean, formerly Daewoo Shipbuilding & Marine Engineering, brings extensive experience to the project.
Since 2008, the company has focused on developing icebreaking capabilities, anticipating the future strategic importance of Arctic shipping lanes. It holds the global record for icebreaking LNG carriers built — 21 in total — with major construction peaks in 2014 and 2020.
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