New Polarstern vessel: Model Masters the Testing Phase

In addition to successful tests in the ice channel, many vital components have also been ordered

[Translate to English:] Tests für die neue Polarstern — Tests New Polarstern (Photo: Alfred Wegener Institute / Annika Kropp)

Important milestones have been reached in the construction of the new Polarstern. A true-to-scale model of the future research icebreaker successfully completed tests in the ice channel. This marked the completion of the series of tests on the hull's seakeeping and icebreaking behaviour. In addition, the TKMS shipyard, commissioned by the Alfred Wegener Institute to build the vessel, has now ordered further vital components, such as the hydroacoustic systems and the heating, ventilation and air conditioning system for the research icebreaker. Moreover, the contract for the delivery of the on-board helicopters was also finalised.

At the beginning of March, the final ice tests were conducted at the Hamburg Ship Model Basin (HSVA) based on a true-to-scale model of the new Polarstern: The 5.66-metre-long model of the future research icebreaker passed through ice grown by the HSVA, which, at around seven centimetres, corresponds to an actual, real world ice thickness of 1.8 metres with a 20 per cent snow cover. The model also broke through thicker ice, such as simulated pressure ridges, with flying colours. This concluded a series of model tests in which the team had spent the past few months investigating the ship's behaviour in ice and waves. The experts factored in detailed recordings of the ship's movements above and below water to optimise the hull shape. Consequently, the new vessel is designed for a wide range of scientific applications, both in open water as well as in ice, at different speeds or when positioned at a specific location for the use of sampling equipment.

[Translate to English:] Freiwasserversuche für den Polarstern-Neubau — Open water tests new Polarstern (Photo: Alfred Wegener Institute / Annika Kropp)

As Detlef Wilde, project director for the construction of the new Polarstern at the Alfred Wegener Institute, Helmholtz Centre for Polar and Marine Research (AWI), reports: "The model tests at the Hamburg Ship Model Basin enabled us to find the optimal ship design thanks to the realistic simulation of the conditions in the operation areas – both for icebreaking and for open water navigation and scientific research. The successful completion of the model tests, which have been ongoing since last summer, marks an important milestone on the way to building the new Polarstern. I would particularly like to highlight the superb and highly competent cooperation with the HSVA and all other parties involved."

Contracts between the TKMS shipyard and suppliers for shipbuilding are also inked and well underway: Aerius GmbH has been commissioned to supply the heating, ventilation and air conditioning system, while the Norwegian company Kongsberg will provide the hydroacoustic systems. To date, a total of more than 30 contracts have been awarded to just under 20 companies. TKMS had already signed contracts for the entire propulsion unit with Wärtsilä, Steerprop and Railo Technology Inc, formerly Aker Arctic, back in 2025.

Construction of the ship is scheduled to commence in the spring of 2027, meaning that it is necessary to ensure now that all important components will be available on time. Oliver Burkhard, CEO of TKMS, explains: "The awarding of the majority of contracts for relevant components and systems is a significant step toward the new Polarstern. Through our selection of partners, we are ensuring that we meet the high customer requirements for quality and operational performance."

The order placed for the on-board helicopters marks another genuine highlight of this major shipbuilding project: the AWI team surveyed and researched the helicopter market and evaluated various types for their suitability for these challenging scenarios. The requirements are multifaceted: the helicopters must function reliably in polar regions, meet complex logistical and scientific requirements, ensure compatibility with the planned helicopter infrastructure on board, as well as complying with the essential preconditions for procurement and operating costs. After all, they will serve as a platform for measurement flights and ice reconnaissance in the future. In an emergency, they must also be suitable for evacuating sick or injured persons. The new Polarstern will have two helicopters on board, meaning that a backup will always be available. When evaluating these mid-size class helicopters for offshore operation, the Airbus H145-D3 came out on top, impressing with its cost per flight mile, low noise and vibration levels, and the use of more sustainable fuel, which trims CO2 emissions by approximately 20 to 30 per cent.

About the Polarstern newbuilding project

The new Polarstern will be the flagship of German marine, polar and climate research. The new vessel is being financed by the Federal Ministry of Research, Technology and Space (BMFTR), thereby enabling the Alfred Wegener Institute, Helmholtz Centre for Polar and Marine Research, to award the contract for a new vessel to the TKMS shipyard in December 2024. The ice-breaking research and supply vessel is being built at the Wismar location. It will succeed the predecessor Polarstern, which has been enabling groundbreaking research in the Arctic and Antarctic for over 40 years. Thanks to the all-new vessel, Germany will continue to have one of the most modern and sustainable infrastructures for researching the polar regions at the highest scientific and technical levels.

The project website offers many exciting insights into the new Polarstern.