The new research vessel “Polarstern” will operate in some of the world’s most challenging environments. A system supplied by Optonaval will help ensure safe helicopter landings on board.
Hamburg-based Optonaval has been commissioned by TKMS to supply a visual helicopter landing aid system for the new research icebreaker “Polarstern”.
The company will develop, manufacture and supervise the delivery of the Helicopter Visual Landing Aid System (HVLAS) for the vessel.
The German research icebreaker is being built by TKMS in Wismar for the Alfred Wegener Institute, Helmholtz Centre for Polar and Marine Research (AWI), and is set to become the future flagship of German polar research. Designed for operations in the Arctic and Antarctic, the new “Polarstern” will support scientific missions under demanding conditions in some of the world’s most remote regions. Delivery is scheduled for 2030.
Safe helicopter operations
The HVLAS will provide the functional lighting systems required to ensure safe helicopter operations in the extreme environmental conditions of the polar regions. The system is specifically designed to support continuous operations in ice-covered waters, low visibility and harsh weather, where reliable airborne logistics are essential for scientific missions and supply operations.
As part of the contract, Optonaval will also provide engineering support, system integration and commissioning on board the vessel to ensure seamless integration into the newbuilding’s operational architecture.
According to Optonaval, the selection of leading technology partners is a key factor for TKMS in delivering a vessel that meets the highest standards of safety, performance and innovation for polar operations.
The new “Polarstern” will replace the existing vessel, which has played a central role in international polar research since 1982. The successor is expected to mark significant progress in sustainability, scientific capability and operational efficiency for future climate and polar research.
Optonaval Managing Director Christopher Schäding said: “We are proud that TKMS has chosen Optonaval for the new ‘Polarstern’. This project demonstrates our strength in understanding the specific requirements of our customers and translating them into reliable solutions for demanding maritime applications. In addition to our standard product portfolio, we offer customised solutions that are precisely tailored to the requirements of each project. The ‘Polarstern II’ is a truly special and iconic vessel and we are proud to contribute to a project that will support future polar research in some of the world’s most challenging environments.”
