Finnish marine propulsion specialist Steerprop has secured a contract with Karstensens Skibsværft to supply a complete ice-class propulsion package for a Multi-Role Environmental Vessel being built for the Royal Danish Navy.

The vessel is one of four commissioned by the Danish Ministry of Defence Acquisition and Logistics Organisation to strengthen Denmark's marine environmental response and defence capabilities. The programme is being delivered by Orlogsskibe Danmark, a consortium comprising OSK Design, Karstensens Skibsværft and Hvide Sande Shipyard.

The project marks an important milestone for Steerprop, demonstrating the company's capability to deliver propulsion control systems compliant with DNV's SP2 cyber security requirements.

ENABLING RELIABLE OPERATION IN DEMANDING ICE CONDITIONS
Steerprop's will deliver two Steerprop SP 45 W azimuth propulsors rated at 2,200 kW each – including permanent-magnet motors also supplied by Steerpop - together with a Steerprop SP 10 TT tunnel thruster rated at 750 kW. The scope also includes bridge control systems and the complete propulsion control system. The integrated propulsion package is designed to support the vessel's DNV Ice Class 1A notation, enabling reliable operation in demanding ice conditions.

Kent Damgaard, Director, Karstensens Skibsværft, said: "This vessel has a demanding operational profile that combines environmental response, defence capabilities and year-round operation in Nordic waters. We were looking for a propulsion partner that could deliver proven ice-going capability, excellent manoeuvrability and a fully integrated propulsion solution while meeting the latest cyber security requirements. Steerprop's technical expertise, integrated approach and experience from demanding governmental and ice-going vessels made the company a strong partner for this project."

SPECIFIC OPERATIONAL PROFILE
Juho Rekola, Director, Sales and Project Management, Steerprop, said: "Every naval vessel is designed around a specific operational profile, and our role is to understand those requirements and engineer the propulsion solution that best supports them. Working closely with Karstensens Skibsværft, we have developed an integrated propulsion package that combines proven ice capability, efficient manoeuvrability and advanced control technology to meet the vessel's demanding operational requirements. We are proud to support this important programme and look forward to a successful collaboration with Karstensens Skibsværft."

Steerprop's W series azimuth propulsors combine advanced drivetrain design with highly efficient hydrodynamics to deliver reliable performance in some of the world's most demanding operating environments. The optimised housing geometry and robust cast-steel lower unit maximise efficiency, durability and operational reliability. The design has already proven itself in commercial applications ranging from harbour tugs to heavy-duty offshore vessels operating in demanding ice conditions.

HAS DEVELOPED EXTENSIVE EXPERTISE
Steerprop has supplied mission-critical propulsion systems for governmental and naval vessel programmes worldwide, including projects in Canada, the United States and across the Nordic and Baltic regions. Through these projects, the company has developed extensive expertise in meeting the demanding operational, technical and lifecycle requirements of naval and government operators.

Construction of the vessel series has already begun at Karstensens Skibsværft's yard in Gdańsk, Poland. Steerprop will begin deliveries of the propulsion package in March 2027, with the first vessel expected to enter service in 2029.