- tkMS and Elomatic signed a major contract to design and develop the new Polarstern icebreaking research vessel.
- The ship, to be built at tkMS’s Wismar shipyard, will be the largest and most advanced icebreaker, using green fuels and a large battery system.
- Elomatic will handle engineering and yard consultancy, continuing its icebreaker expertise.
- Polarstern will replace the current vessel by 2030, supporting global polar research and climate studies.
Elomatic Maritime Technologies GmbH and thyssenkrupp Marine Systems AG (tkMS) have signed a major design and engineering contract for the new Polarstern, set to replace the existing Polarstern research ship. The vessel will be built at tkMS’s Wismar shipyard, known for 120+ polar ship constructions, including award-winning multi-mission icebreakers, according to Elomatic.
Engineering and Design Expertise from Elomatic
Elomatic, an international consulting and engineering company, will provide basic and detail engineering, plus yard consultancy during construction.
In December 2024, tkMS won the public tender from the Alfred Wegener Institute after a two-year collaboration with Elomatic. The new Polarstern will be the largest and most advanced icebreaking research and logistics vessel.
Innovative and Sustainable Ship Design
The vessel will be equipped with advanced scientific and logistic equipment, onboard laboratories, and a green propulsion system, using green fuels and a large battery system. It can break through 1.8-meter-thick ice and is scheduled to replace the current Polarstern in 2030.
Elomatic has extensive experience in icebreaker design, serving as the primary design partner for Canada’s new national polar icebreaker since 2022.
Leadership Statements on the Project
Guido Schulte, Managing Director at Elomatic Maritime Technologies GmbH, said:
“The new Polarstern project represents a significant moment for Elomatic, as the largest single ship design contract in the company’s 55-year history. We are extremely excited to continue our collaboration with our partners at tkMS and look forward to further contributing to the creation of this groundbreaking polar research vessel, to be built in our hometown.”
Oliver Burkhard, CEO of tkMS, stated:
“With the new Polarstern contract, we apply our maritime expertise also to the civilian sector and prove that we can offer technological excellence at internationally competitive terms. thyssenkrupp Marine Systems is not only setting shipbuilding standards but also making an active contribution to international research in the fight against climate change – and we are proud to support this mission with technology and innovation. We look forward to continuing this journey together.”
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Source: Elomatic
