Sweden’s new icebreaker could be built in South Korea
News 2025-11-04
The world’s most advanced icebreaker could now be built by the world’s largest shipyard in South Korea. The new icebreaker is scheduled for delivery at the end of 2028 and is expected to cost nearly USD 350 million.
HD Hyundai Heavy Industries in South Korea submitted the winning bid in the Swedish Maritime Administration’s procurement process for the first next-generation icebreaker. However, following the contract award decision, a legal review of the procurement was requested, and the matter will now be decided in court.
“We received four bids, of which Hyundai Heavy Industries submitted the best offer. Our contract award decision is now subject to legal review, and we are waiting for the court to decide whether we can proceed. For us, it is important to begin renewing our icebreaker fleet,” says Erik Eklund, Director-General of the Swedish Maritime Administration.
Of the remaining bids, one came from Norway and two from Finland. The bids are evaluated based on several predetermined criteria, with price being one of the most important.
Without the Swedish Maritime Administration’s icebreakers, several ports in northern Sweden would be forced to close for up to 130 days a year. New icebreakers are therefore essential not only for Swedish industry but also for Sweden’s national preparedness. The Swedish Maritime Administration currently operates six state-owned icebreakers, five of which were built in the 1970s and 1980s. Due to their age, the vessels require extensive maintenance.
“Our entire icebreaker fleet needs to be renewed. This is the first step, and the second step is now included in the national plan, with funding allocated for additional icebreakers,” concludes Erik Eklund.
About the Swedish Maritime Administration’s icebreakers:
The Swedish Maritime Administration ensures that all Swedish ports can remain open year-round by breaking ice at sea and assisting, directing, guiding and towing vessels that have difficulty navigating through ice. The Swedish Maritime Administration operates six icebreakers of its own: Ale, Atle, Frej, Ymer, Oden and Idun. The Swedish Maritime Administration’s work vessels Baltica and Scandica also have icebreaking capabilities and are used as auxiliary icebreakers in icebreaking operations.
