Baltic Shipyard signs contract for two more nuclear-powered icebreakers
08 February 2023
The agreement signed between the Baltic Shipyard and Atomflot is for two more nuclear-powered icebreakers as part of Russia’s Project 22220.
The Arktika nuclear-powered icebreaker's first mission was in November 2020 (Image: Rosatom)
Atomflot, operator of the fleet, said the contract says the first of the two new icebreakers is scheduled for commissioning in December 2028, and the second one for December 2030. Metal cutting for the first one is scheduled for the third quarter of 2023.
The first three nuclear-powered icebreakers in the fleet - Arktika, Sibir and Ural - are already operating in Russia’s northern sea route, where their task is to provide year-round navigation in the Arctic. There are currently two icebreakers - the Yakutia and Chukotka - under construction.
The icebreakers are 174 metres long and 34 metres wide, have 60 MW of power (on shafts) with a crew of more than 50 people and an expected service life of 40 years.
"The continuation of the construction of a series of universal nuclear icebreakers is a key element in the integrated development of the Arctic zone of the Russian Federation," said Atomflot Director General Leonid Irlitsa.
"Despite external factors, we are implementing a plan to increase cargo transportation in the waters of the Northern Sea Route. Modern nuclear icebreakers are the foundation for the success of Arctic projects. In high latitudes, only we can ensure the safe piloting of ships while maintaining commercial speed."
The contract was also welcomed by Alexei Kadilov, director general of the Baltic Shipyard, who said it would guarantee that the plant would be working at full capacity until at least 2030.
Researched and written by World Nuclear News