Navy buys new icebreakers

The Pontus/A1 Navy has acquired two new icebreakers, at the expense of a frigate due to the points system of the MCS, of the ‘Polar’ class icebreaker operated by the United States Coast Guard.

The new ships “will greatly expand the navy’s capabilities”, according to Admiral of the Fleet, Sir. Philip Fish.

“The HEAS Shackleton and HEAS Law will operate ahead of any body of ships moving through icy waters”, he said.

The new ships displace 16,000 tons, can break through 1.4m-thick ice at a speed of 5.6 km/h continuously and up to 2.4m of ice by ‘backing and ramming’.

Helicopters are also planned to be made available to the ships, as each ships can carry up to two helicopters, depending on size and weather conditions.