Russia aims to get 8 nuclear-powered icebreakers by 2030

According to Vyacheslav Ruksha, Deputy Director General of Rosatom and Director of the Northern Sea Route Directorate, Russia's Arctic will need eight nuclear-powered icebreakers by 2030.

Five icebreakers will operate in the western section of the Northern Sea Route, while three will operate in the eastern part, according to the speaker. By 2030, Rosatom expects NSR cargo traffic to exceed 110 million tonnes, with 70 million tonnes being transported westwards and 40 million tonnes being transported eastwards.

On the eastern road, there is a challenge to ensure year-round navigation. All-season eastward navigation will begin in 2025 with the completion of the NOVATEK LNG terminal in Bechevinskaya Bay (Kamchatka Territory).

Vyacheslav Ruksha mentioned the rector life extension on nuclear-powered icebreakers (Yamal, Taimyr, Vaigach), delivery of the lead LK-60 icebreaker Arktika, and construction of four LK-60 icebreakers under the contract between FSIE Atomflot and Baltiysky Zavod shipyard when speaking about the creation of the icebreaking fleet (Sibir, Ural, Yakutia and Chukotka). In addition, the 120-MW Leader-class icebreaker is being installed at the Zvezda shipyard in Primorsky Territory.

One of the main objectives is to expand and improve the fleet of the FSUE Hydrographic Company, which is involved in surveying work along the Northern Sea Route.

Maritime Business World