Russia Launches Largest Nuclear-Powered Icebreaker

by Ship & Bunker News Team
Friday June 17, 2016

The Baltic Shipyard Thursday launched the largest nuclear-powered icebreaker, Arktika, out of the Port of St. Petersburg, Russian media reports.

The vessel is said to be the first of Russia's RUB 122 billion ($1.88 billion) Project 22220 series, which are set to replace the country's previous generation of nuclear-powered ships.

The three vessels being constructed under the initiative are said to be both larger and more powerful than the previous generation, with Arktika capable of breaking ice of up to 3 metres thick.

It is reported that the icebreaker, which will be equipped with a double nuclear reactor of a 60 MW capacity, will be deployed in 2017 within the western region of the Arctic, making way for carriers transporting Russian liquefied natural gas (LNG).

Siberia and Urals, the two other ships being built under Project 22220, are also said to be set for construction at the Baltic Shipyard.

In May, Ship & Bunker reported that Gazprom Export has opened a new LNG bunker facility in Pskov, Russia.