Powerhouse and technical marvel
The Polarstern is a double-hulled icebreaker operational at temperatures as low as –50°C, which would enable her to overwinter in the ice sheets of the polar seas. Polarstern can break through ice 1.5 metres thick at a speed of approx. 5 knots. Thicker ice must be broken by ramming.
Technical Data
| Constructed | Howaldtswerke/ Deutsche Werft, Kiel Werft Nobiskrug, Rendsburg |
| Icebreaker Design | Hamburgische Schiffbau-Versuchsanstalt |
| Overall Length | 118 m |
| Maximum Beam | max. 25 m |
| Height to Main Deck | 13.6 m |
| Draught | max. 11.2 m |
| Maximum displacement | 17,300 t |
| Light Weight | 11,820 t |
| Engine Power (4 engines) | approx. 14,000 kW (20,000 bhp) |
| Maximum speed | 16 kn |