MSV Nordica is a Finnish multipurpose icebreaker and offshore support vessel, constructed in 1994 by Finnyards in Rauma, Finland. She measures 116 meters (380.6 feet) in overall length and 96.7 meters (317.3 feet) between perpendiculars, with a hull breadth of 26 meters (85.3 feet) and a depth of 12.5 meters (41.0 feet). Her gross tonnage is 9,392, with a net tonnage of 2,818 and a deadweight ranging from 1,650 to 4,800 tons depending on draft. The vessel's weight is approximately 7,935 tons, with a maximum displacement of 12,800 tons. Classified by Det Norske Veritas with the POLAR-10 ice class, Nordica's hull is specially reinforced for unassisted operations in Arctic, sub-Arctic, and Antarctic regions, capable of navigating through winter ice up to 1 meter (3.3 feet) thick, including pressure ridges and multi-year ice floes. The hull design features a wider bow with reamers to increase ice channel width and reduce friction, complemented by an explosion-welded stainless steel ice belt to minimize abrasion. Her seakeeping is notably advanced for an icebreaker, with a long roll period exceeding 10 seconds, wide bilge shelves, and an anti-rolling tank, enabling stable operations in open water and Arctic conditions. Powered by a diesel-electric system with four main generators—two Wärtsilä Vasa 12V32D and two 16V32D engines—she produces a total of 19,500 kW, driving two azimuth thrusters for superior maneuverability. Her maximum speed is 16.5 knots, with an operational icebreaking speed of 9.5 knots in 80 cm thick ice, and she can maintain continuous movement in 1.8 meters (5.9 feet) of level ice. Equipped with a Hydralift active heave compensated crane (lifting 30 tons at 32 meters radius), a smaller MacGregor crane, helipad, and facilities for 48 offshore workers, Nordica also features bow and stern towing equipment, a stern notch for assistance, and an oblique bridge for optimal visibility. Her propulsion system includes ABB azimuth thrusters with 7,500 kW motors and additional bow thrusters, providing excellent maneuverability, especially during escort operations. Throughout her service, Nordica has been used for icebreaking in the Baltic Sea, offshore construction, and Arctic expeditions, including supporting oil exploration in the Chukchi Sea. Her versatile design and capabilities have made her a significant asset in Finland's icebreaking fleet, particularly for her multipurpose roles and advanced ice navigation technology.

This description has been generated using GPT-4.1-NANO based on the Vessel's wikidata information and then modified by ShipIndex.org staff.