German naval conglomerate Thyssenkrupp and Finland-based consulting and engineering company Elomatic have joined forces to design and engineer a groundbreaking new Polarstern ship. This vessel is set to become the largest and most advanced research and polar logistics icebreaker in the world.

The construction of the new Polarstern will take place at the state-of-the-art shipyard of tkMS in Wismar, known for its expertise in developing complex icebreaking ships for polar regions. With over 120 ships built for polar expeditions, tkMS has a proven track record in this specialized field.

In December 2024, tkMS secured the public tender to build the new Polarstern for the Alfred Wegener Institute for Polar and Marine Research in Bremerhaven, Germany. This marks the culmination of a two-year collaboration between tkMS and Elomatic to develop the proposal for this ambitious project.

The new Polarstern will boast an array of cutting-edge scientific and logistic equipment, on-board laboratories, and a propulsion system that utilizes green fuels along with a large battery system. Capable of breaking through 1.8-meter-thick ice, this vessel is designed to advance polar research and logistics capabilities.

Guido Schulte, Managing Director at Elomatic Maritime Technologies, expressed excitement about the project, stating, “The new Polarstern project signifies a major milestone for Elomatic, as the largest single ship design contract in our company’s history. We look forward to working closely with tkMS to bring this revolutionary polar research vessel to life.”

Oliver Burkhard, CEO of tkMS, emphasized the significance of the project in contributing to international research efforts in combating climate change. He stated, “Thyssenkrupp Marine Systems is committed to setting new standards in shipbuilding while actively supporting global research initiatives. We are proud to be part of this mission and are dedicated to driving innovation and technology forward.”