Finland has chosen Aker Arctic to provide the ARC ILMS ice load monitoring system for the Finnish Navy’s Pohjanmaa-class multi-role corvettes.
The system measures ships’ structural loads while navigating ice-covered waters and provides real-time feedback to operators.
Aker Arctic has already contributed to other initiatives to support the Pohjanmaa project, including supplying ice-strengthened controllable pitch propellers, pitch control mechanisms, propeller shafts, and shaft seals.
In addition, the company is responsible for the design, material delivery, installation supervision, and commissioning of the propulsion system.
ARC ILMS Ice Load Monitoring System
The ARC ILMS system monitors ice loads helping improve ships’ propulsion efficiency, reduce fuel consumption, and optimize maintenance.
It collects data from strain sensors to display real-time ice loads and provide forecasts on future conditions using statistical analysis.
The ARC ILMS package comprises a software platform with forecasting algorithms, sensor location analysis, and seasonal data evaluation.
Accurate assessment tools support safe navigation by helping crews to make informed decisions.
Pohjanmaa Corvettes Project
Construction of the first Pohjanmaa-class corvettes began last year, with four vessels expected to enter service by 2029.
The ships will remain part of Finland’s Defense Forces fleet until the 2050s.
The Pohjanmaas will support various missions, including attack prevention, naval mine-laying, and underwater warfare.
Each corvette will be capable of carrying a crew of 70 personnel and will have a top speed exceeding 26 knots (48 kilometers/30 miles per hour).
The vessels will be equipped with surface-to-surface missile systems and surface-to-air missile systems.
Weaponry also includes naval guns, decoy systems, and an electronic warfare suite.
