The Swedish Maritime Administration announces that the new vessels can break wider ice channels, be maneuvered more easily and built to be able to operate fossil-free.

Today, an interest request (RFI) is sent out to potential suppliers prior to the construction of the vessels.

- The icebreakers are important for Sweden's business life.

Without icebreaking, northern ports risk being closed for up to 130 days a year, says Katarina Norén, Director General of the Swedish Maritime Administration, in a press release.

Billion cost per icebreaker

Three of the Swedish Maritime Administration's five current icebreakers are soon 50 years old and need to be replaced to avoid major accidents.

The financing of the new icebreakers is not ready.

The cost of the investment will be presented next summer and estimates show SEK 1.4 to 2.0 billion each.

- We are building for the future and the ships will be state-of-the-art.

But exactly which fuel we should choose is not clear, says Katarina Norén.

Then the procurement begins

The Swedish Maritime Administration proposes that the financing be taken via the national infrastructure plan where the costs for winter maintenance of roads and railways already exist.

- We will be ready next summer to start the procurement if the financing is complete, says Katarina Norén.

In the port of Luleå today are the icebreakers Ale, Atle, Frej, Oden and Ymer.

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In the port of Luleå, the Swedish Maritime Administration has, among other things, the icebreakers, Ale, Atle, Frej, Oden and Ymer.

Photo: Anders Hjertström / SVT