Russia launches the Leningrad icebreaker

Russian President Vladimir Putin presided over the ceremony held for the placement of the icebreaker onto the slipway. In his speech, Putin stated, “Russia today possesses the world’s largest icebreaker fleet, which is also unparalleled. This provides us with a major competitive advantage, offering tremendous opportunities for logistics and industry, as well as for the creation of new jobs, the integrated development of Arctic cities and towns, the implementation of truly global projects, and international cooperation with our partners, friends, and everyone who wants to work with Russia and is enthusiastic about this.”

Alexey Likhachev, Director General of the Russian State Nuclear Energy Corporation Rosatom, also noted in his speech that the further development of the Northern Sea Route makes the expansion of shipbuilding in the Arctic mandatory, stating: “In the near future, a large number of high-ice-class cargo ships will be needed. Shipbuilding in the Arctic is becoming a strategically important area for Russia, and Rosatom is not just a customer, but also a participant in these efforts.” Likhachev also expressed his belief that the Leningrad icebreaker would contribute to the development of the region.

There are currently 3 nuclear-powered icebreakers from Project 22220 in operation. The lead universal nuclear-powered icebreaker Arktika was commissioned in 2020, the 1st serial universal nuclear-powered icebreaker Sibir in 2021, and the 2nd serial universal nuclear-powered icebreaker Ural in 2022. The 3rd serial universal nuclear-powered icebreaker Yakutia is planned to be commissioned in December 2024. The 4th serial universal nuclear-powered icebreaker Chukotka, which is currently under construction, is expected to be commissioned in December 2026.

The icebreakers produced under Project 22220 are built based on innovative solutions. The nuclear-powered Leningrad icebreaker is equipped with the new-generation RITM-200 reactor plant. The dual-draft design of this entirely Russian-made icebreaker, which has no foreign equivalent and meets modern development trends in global nuclear energy, enables the vessel to operate both in Arctic seas and at the mouths of polar rivers, particularly in the shallow waters of the Yenisey and the Gulf of Ob.

The development of navigation along the Northern Sea Route contributes to the sustainability of global supply chains.

News Source: 12punto