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Encyclopedia :: encyclopedia : Icebreaker (Site not responding. Last check: 2007-10-23) |
 | | Essential to an icebreaking vessel is the ability to propel itself onto the ice, breaking it, and then successfully clearing the ice debris from its path. |
| | Icebreakers are expensive to build and very expensive to run, whether the icebreaker is powered by gas turbines, diesel-electric powerplant or nuclear energy. |
| | A modern icebreaker typically has shielded propellers both at the bow and at the stern, as well as side thrusters; pumps to move water ballast from side to side; and holes on the hull below the waterline to eject water bubbles, all designed to allow an icebreaker stuck amidst thick ice to break free. |
| www.hallencyclopedia.com /Icebreaker (893 words) |
