Front Deck

You are on the front deck of the Polar Explorer–the face of the icebreaker. This is deck number 5. Please watch your step since the deck and the steps might be slippery.

This is the best view point. On clear days you can see many kilometres ahead. From the sides of this deck you can observe the ice breaking. To see above the railing, please use the steps. The best view is from the sides, not from the middle.

How does an icebreaker actually break the ice? The specially built bow has a 45-degree angle and two swords to crack ice up to 2 meters thick and push it down and sideways. The sound of icebreaking is powerful!

There is also a bow thruster in the front of the ship that can move the bow sideways and an azimuth thruster in the middle of the ship that can steer the ship in any direction. This means that the ship can maneuver with great precision.

Two massive anchors are attached on the both side of the bow. Each of them weighs as much as 2,100 kilos. A third, spare, anchor is located in the back of the main deck.

To continue the tour please return to the door and take the stairs up to station 7, the captain’s bridge or take the stairs down to station 3, the cafeteria. Please watch your step since the deck and the steps might be slippery.