Comparative Design Study of a Polar Research Icebreaking Vessel

The rise in global temperatures has opened new routes for marine traffic in previously frozen polar regions, increasing demand for ice-capable vessels to support research and exploration. This has led to a push for more energy-efficient icebreakers with reduced emissions. Growing interest has also introduced the 3-pod configuration, which has yet to be fully explored. Our research aims to determine the most effective azimuth thruster configuration for an open oceangoing icebreaker by comparing 2-pod and 3-pod designs. Both vessels were designed similarly, with identical hulls from midships aft and above the waterline, differing only in pod size. The primary difference was the bow design: the 2-pod vessel has a conventional icebreaking bow, while the 3-pod vessel features a forward, centerline pod. To isolate the impact of the pod configuration, both vessels share the same power generation, superstructures, and internal structures.