NEW ON BOARD
Protacon upgrades icebreaker propulsion drives
by: SAMI J. ANTEROINEN
Protacon, a company based in Jyväskylä, Finland, has received a major order for the
modernisation of electric and automation systems of two icebreakers. Protacon is charged
with the modernisation of electric propulsion drives and drive control systems for the
Swedish icebreakers, Atle and Frej.
T
he customer is the Swedish Maritime Administration. With
“After that, we’ve done one modernisation per year,” says
the deal, Protacon will considerably strengthen its foothold
Loisa, adding that the key issue here – in addition to quality – is
as a full-service supplier of high power electric drives.
Protacon has been making great advances in the marine
business of late. In 2012, Protacon made a modernisation delivery
keeping with the schedule.
“Whatever we promise, we can keep,” Loisa lays down the
game plan.
for icebreaker Urho (Arctia Icebreaking). Project Manager Marko
Loisa comments that the undertaking provided a great opportu-
UP FOR THE CHALLENGE
nity to demonstrate the company’s knowledge in full-scope deliv-
According to Loisa, it is also a huge marketing advantage for the
eries and as a supplier of marine sector automation and drives sys-
company that it has solutions available and can spearhead large,
tem. The operation was a success and was followed by an order
turn-key projects, also globally.
to modernise icebreaker Ymer in 2013.
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seatec 2/2015
“Thanks to our large system supplier networks, we can offer