Icebreaker - Required Propulsion Power
Required propulsion power for an icebreaker to maintain 3 kn in a given level-ice thickness - the classical rule-of-thumb.
Required power
31.5MW
Formula, assumptions, and limits
Rough ice-breaker screening. Nuclear icebreakers 60+ MW for 3 m ice at 3 kn. Diesel-electric PC2 vessels 30 MW for 1.5 m ice. Real sizing involves full ice-navigation simulation.
Symbol legend
| Symbol | Meaning | Unit | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Beam at waterline | m | ship particulars | |
| Level ice thickness | m | design requirement |