Swedish Maritime Administration improves icebreaker reliability for marine operations with LineLazer
The Swedish Maritime Administration has chosen LineLazer, a wireless laser-based shaft alignment system from SPM Instrument, to support reliable operation of its icebreaker fleet. The investment reflects the authority’s focus on maintaining critical onboard machinery under demanding operating conditions, where availability, safety, and efficiency are essential.
Icebreakers operate for long periods under high mechanical load, often in remote areas and harsh environments. Maintaining reliable onboard machinery in such conditions requires structured maintenance and access to condition monitoring solutions for marine and offshore operations. Motors, fans, and pumps are exposed to continuous stress, and even minor misalignment can lead to elevated vibration levels, unnecessary energy losses, and premature wear of bearings and couplings. Accurate shaft alignment is therefore a key factor in maintaining stable performance and avoiding unplanned downtime.
By equipping its vessels with LineLazer from SPM Instrument, the Swedish Maritime Administration strengthens its ability to work proactively with mechanical condition. The system enables precise alignment work to be carried out efficiently on board, supporting maintenance activities that reduce the risk of vibration-related damage and help extend the service life of rotating equipment.
According to Fredrik Arréhn, Technical Manager on the marine icebreaker IB Ymer: "We look forward to using LineLazer to save work hours and increase the reliability of some of our most critical systems. It is a long-awaited capability that we have been lacking."
LineLazer combines dual alignment sensors with line laser technology for fast and reliable shaft alignment. The associated app guides the user through the alignment process with clear visual feedback, making it well suited for use by onboard personnel who need straightforward tools that deliver consistent results.
The Swedish Maritime Administration operates five icebreakers, Ale, Atle, Frej, Oden, and Ymer, each with specific operational roles ranging from inland navigation to heavy ice conditions at sea. Ensuring that propulsion and auxiliary systems perform reliably across this diverse fleet is essential to keeping ports accessible and supporting maritime traffic throughout the winter season.
The investment in LineLazer supports the authority’s long-term approach to machinery reliability and efficient maintenance, contributing to robust icebreaker operations where dependable mechanical performance is a prerequisite for safe and continuous service.