Finnish Navy’s Pohjanmaa-Class Corvettes to Feature Aker Arctic’s Advanced Ice Load Monitoring System

Aker Arctic has secured a contract from the Finnish Defence Forces Logistics Command to supply its state-of-the-art ARC ILMS (Ice Load Monitoring System) for the Finnish Navy’s new Pohjanmaa-class multi-role corvettes. This cutting-edge system will be integrated into four vessels currently under construction at Rauma Marine Constructions, enhancing their ability to navigate icy waters safely and efficiently.

The ARC ILMS is designed to measure and analyze ice loads encountered by ships operating in Arctic conditions. By providing real-time feedback to operators, the system ensures safer navigation, optimizes vessel performance, and minimizes structural strain caused by harsh ice-covered environments. With Finland’s strategic need to maintain naval superiority in the Baltic and Arctic regions, this technology significantly enhances operational safety and efficiency.

This contract adds to Aker Arctic’s growing list of successful deployments of the ARC ILMS. The system has already proven its capabilities with the Canadian Coast Guard’s Multi-Purpose Vessels (MPV) and was instrumental in monitoring ice loads on Ponant’s Le Commandant Charcot during its historic trans-Arctic voyage. The Finnish Navy’s adoption of this advanced system further solidifies Aker Arctic’s reputation as a leader in ice-navigation solutions.

Aker Arctic’s involvement in the Pohjanmaa-class program extends beyond the ARC ILMS. The company is also supplying key ice-operability components, including ice-strengthened controllable pitch propellers, pitch control mechanisms, propeller shafts, bearings, and shaft seals. Furthermore, Aker Arctic will oversee installation supervision and commissioning of the corvettes’ propulsion systems, ensuring seamless integration of ice-navigation technologies.

With Finland’s naval forces preparing for operations in some of the most challenging maritime environments, the incorporation of Aker Arctic’s expertise into the Pohjanmaa-class corvettes underscores the nation’s commitment to Arctic-ready naval capabilities.