The North Wind is designed to cut through the ice to pave the way for other ships. To help with this task the ship is equipped with a special hydraulic washing system that sprays hot water under the ice to make it easier to break through and can also smash ice by ploughing through it both forwards and backwards. These powerful movements are carried out by three propeller screws, each equipped with four vanes that weigh seven tonnes each. Inside the engine room are two steam turbines that power six motion generators – creating a total capacity of 75,000hp.