EMEA News
Russia Launches Newest Nuclear-Powered Icebreaker
The Baltic Shipyard has announced that Sibir, part of a new generation of Russia's nuclear-powered icebreakers, was launched at the shipyard on Friday.
The vessel is the second 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.
"I am convinced that this powerful icebreaker will significantly strengthen the potential of the Russian nuclear fleet and contribute to strengthening Russia's position as a great maritime power," said Nikolai Tsukanov on behalf of President Vladimir Putin at the launching ceremony.
The second of three such vessels, Sibir is intended for operation along the Northern Sea Route (NSR).
In June of last year, the Baltic Shipyard launched Sibir's sister vessel Arktika, out of the Port of St. Petersburg.
The three vessels being constructed under the initiative are said to be both larger and more powerful than the previous generation, capable of breaking ice of up to 3 metres thick.
