The government has released the blueprint of the nation's first ice breaker set for launch in 2008 at a cost of 100 billion won.

The Maritime Affairs and Fisheries Ministry on Friday showed the blueprint to a meeting of shipbuilding and sea experts.

Weighing 6,950 tons, the ice breaker will accommodate 85 crew and navigate 20,000 nautical miles at a speed of three to four knots, breaking ice a meter thick.

Construction will begin in June after the builder and supervisory company are selected.

The ship will be used to research fishery resources and climate changes in Arctic areas and in the construction of the second South Pole base in 2009.