Vard Marine and ILS Oy announce a collaborative teaming agreement

One area of cooperation will be the further development and implementation of ILS’ patented Detachable IceBreaking Bow (DIBB) in new markets.

Vard Marine and ILS Oy announce a collaborative teaming agreement
Photo: ILS Oy

Vard Marine Inc. and ILS Oy are delighted to announce an agreement to work together to develop design solutions for the global icebreaker market and to address the challenges of ice-capable shipping worldwide. 

One area of cooperation will be the further development and implementation of ILS’ patented Detachable IceBreaking Bow (DIBB) in new markets. The ILS DIBB, with its independent power plant allows icebreaking to become a modular capability that can be added to new and existing ships as and when required, rather than being built into the vessel with all the size, weight, cost and efficiency impacts that this implies. While detachable bows are not a new concept, the DIBB’s unique capabilities overcome many of the drawbacks of earlier approaches. 

While the agreement is new, both companies have long respected each other’s corporate cultures and achievements. Most recently Vard Marine has developed the conversion designs for the Canadian Coast Guard’s Medium Icebreakers (MIBs) from an original ILS hull design. These ships are now some of the Coast Guard’s most powerful and effective assets. 

Vard Marine’s CEO, Wade Carson notes:

“Our agreement with ILS Oy will assist both companies in helping current and new clients in identifying their needs and in providing the designs that address these. The two companies’ shared values include putting our clients first and providing objective and unbiased advice.” 

ILS’ CEO, Kristian Lehtonen says:

“During the last five years, we have done design and consulting work for paying customers in 14 different countries. Cooperation with the highly skilled professionals of Vard Marine will further expand our horizons. We are pleased and honored to work with Vard Marine, as we share with them the same belief in hard work and commitment.”