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Russia has unveiled a new nuclear-powered icebreaker, named Chukotka, as part of its ongoing expansion in Arctic maritime capabilities. This addition joins Russia’s fleet of nuclear-powered icebreakers, and the launch event was overseen remotely by President Vladimir Putin.
The Chukotka belongs to Russia’s Project 22220 series, designed to operate in severe Arctic conditions. This icebreaker is expected to have a lifespan of 40 years and is capable of breaking through ice that is up to 2.8 meters (9.2 feet) thick, crucial for ensuring navigability in the increasingly busy Arctic waters.
The launch of Chukotka is part of broader plans to enhance cargo traffic along the Northern Sea Route, which is becoming an increasingly vital passage for shipping between Europe and Asia.
Focus on Northern Sea Route Expansion
President Putin highlighted the necessity of bolstering Russia’s icebreaker fleet, underlining that this is essential for the strategic development of Arctic territories. “I would like to reiterate our commitment to enhance cargo traffic along the Northern Sea Route, which fundamentally relies on the expansion of our icebreaker fleet,” he stated. He also proposed convening a specialized meeting to discuss the advanced development of this shipping route and to explore practical solutions.
Currently, three new nuclear-powered vessels—the Arktika, Sibir, and Ural—are already operational in the Northern Sea Route, further emphasizing Russia’s intent to dominate Arctic navigation.
Upcoming Icebreaker Delivery
Chukotka is set to be accompanied shortly by another icebreaker, Yakutia, which is more than 95 percent complete. The growing interest from both domestic and international shipping companies in the Northern Sea Route prompts the need for a more efficient pricing structure for icebreaker services, according to Putin.
Russia has plans for the construction of additional icebreakers in the coming years, including the Stalingrad and the next-generation Leader icebreaker, which is being built at Zvezda shipyard in the Far East. “The development of these advanced vessels showcases Russia’s capabilities in industry, science, technology, and human resources,” Putin remarked, emphasizing the importance of utilizing domestic technological advancements for economic development.
Specifications and Capabilities of Chukotka
To optimize the utilization of its main maritime route, Russia has acknowledged the need for a sovereign heavy-lift cargo fleet. This includes a variety of vessels, such as gas tankers, bulk carriers, container ships, and oil and LNG tankers, with Zvezda shipyard already engaged in their construction.
As of now, Zvezda’s order book features 26 vessels, with a long-term goal of building 92 ice-class cargo vessels by 2037 to support operations on the Northern Sea Route, according to the Kremlin.
The Chukotka icebreaker measures 173 meters (567 feet) in length, 34 meters in width, and stands 57 meters tall from the waterline to the mainmast. It can reach speeds of 22 knots in open water and boasts a significant water displacement capacity of 33,500 tons while accommodating a crew of 54. This vessel is powered by two RITM-200 reactors, which provide a thermal capacity of 350 MW, making it one of the largest and most powerful icebreakers currently in operation worldwide.
Source
www.yahoo.com