Research Vessel Kronprins Haakon Delivered

“Kronprins Haakon," an oceanographic icebreaker built by Fincantieri for the Institute of Marine Research (IMR), the Norwegian governmental body for oceanographic research and fishing, was recently delivered at the Norwegian yard of Vard Langsten.

After the completion of the building process at Fincantieri’s Integrated shipyard of Riva Trigoso and Muggiano, the vessel sailed to Norway for final testing and preparation for delivery.

With a gross tonnage of 9,000 tons, a length of more than 100 meters long and a speed up to 15 knots, the Haakon is able to move independently through ice thick up to one meter. She is built according to criteria that ensure minimum environmental impact and reduced radiation of noise underwater, so as to allow studies on fish and marine mammals. Furthermore, the vessel will be able to carry out oceanographic and hydrographic research activities in any area of operation.

The vessel is able to accommodate 55 people in 38 cabins – research personnel, students and crew – and is fitted out with the highest standards of comfort for passenger ships. At the bow, the hangar is able to accommodate two helicopters and is equipped with complex instrumentation able to investigate the morphology and geology of the seabed.

The sensors and the equipment represent state-of-the-art technology and guarantee a very high flexibility in performing different scientific tasks, allowing the vessel to carry on also geology, geophysics, chemistry and seismology studies. The vessel will carry out missions on a global scale and will be used to study the modalities and consequences of climate change in the Arctic environment.

“Kronprins Haakon” represents an important technical result for Fincantieri, achieved thanks to specialized knowledge developed by the company in the high-added-value sectors in which it operates, including naval vessels, submarines, cruise ships and special vessels.

About Fincantieri

Fincantieri is one of the world’s largest shipbuilding groups and number one by diversification and innovation. It is leader in cruise ship design and construction and a reference player in all high-tech shipbuilding industry’s sectors, from naval to offshore vessels, from high-complexity special vessels and ferries to mega-yachts, ship repairs and conversions, systems and components production and after-sales services.

Headquartered in Trieste Italy, the Group has built more than 7,000 vessels in over 230 years of maritime history. With around 19,400 employees, of whom more than 8,200 are in Italy, and 20 shipyards on four continents, today Fincantieri is the leading Western shipbuilder. It has among its clients the major cruise operators, the Italian and the U.S. Navy, in addition to several foreign navies, and it is partner of some of the main European defense companies within supranational programs. www.fincantieri.com