"These are puller type Azipods. Having the propellers ahead of the pods makes them more efficient as they are cutting into clean water (undisturbed).In order for the ship to be used as an Icebreaker the bulk of the weight has to be as far forward as possible, which is the case here. Excellent use of an older ship instead of sending it to the scrapyard. In the end, it will end up much cheaper to build than one of similar overall living space and will be able to take on almost anything mother nature can throw at it."