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Icebreaker Commander Describes Navigating Thick Ice

Human interestHuman interest
Key Points
  • Commander Karl Herlin has over 20 years of experience navigating icebreakers like the Atle through thick ice conditions.
  • The Atle uses a diesel-electric system where engines power electric motors that drive the propellers for icebreaking.
  • The crew maintains daily routines with shared meals, and the cook plans dishes based on available ingredients.

According to sources, Karl Herlin has worked on icebreakers for over 20 years and serves as the commander of the Atle. His job involves assembling a puzzle with personnel and staying updated on ice conditions. On one occasion on the Finnish side, when the ice was very thick, it was important to remain calm.

Karl Herlin described the conditions, saying, "It was 70–80 centimeters of solid and smooth ice. That is thick ice. " Sources report there was 70–80 centimeters of solid and smooth ice on the Finnish side.

It was 70–80 centimeters of solid and smooth ice. That is thick ice. You feel how the entire icebreaker vibrates and felt that now it is the forces of nature that take hold of you.

Karl Herlin, Commander of the Atle

The specific routes or areas the Atle operates in are not detailed. The crew gathers around meals every day, with cook Tina Ljung working in the mess hall preparing daily lunch and dinner. " The Atle is equipped with a diesel-electric propulsion system, where the diesel engines function as small power plants that produce electricity for the large electric motors, which in turn drive the propellers.

In the control room, chief engineer Magnus Byström ensures everything runs smoothly when the diesel tank is refilled. " The number of crew members on board the Atle is not specified.

I look at what vegetables I have first and foremost, which must be used, and see what proteins I have that fit, and then you come up with a dish after that.

Tina Ljung, Cook on the Atle

I have done this my whole life and it is the best thing there is, even though it is seasonal.

Magnus Byström, Chief engineer on the Atle
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Icebreaker Commander Describes Navigating Thick Ice | Reed News