Russia Unveils World’s Largest Nuclear Icebreaker; US plans on Three Heavy and Three Medium Icebreakers
On June 16, Russia floated out the Arktika, which it claims is the “largest and most powerful” nuclear-powered icebreaker in the world. This has been developed to aid Russian cargo ships which understandably have to wade through a lot of ice. At nearly 569 feet long and 112 feet wide, the twin-reactor boat can carve a gigantic path through some of the sea’s toughest obstacles. It can cut through ice roughly 10 feet thick and it can haul about 36,000 short tons. There is also a helicopter that will scout for any upcoming floes.
There is already a lot of pressure on the project to succeed, despite the fact that it will not get into service until near the end of 2017 when it will escort oil and gas ships through northern waters to their destinations in Asia-Pacific. The project behind the ship is estimated to cost an equivalent of $1.9 billion and the vessel will have to work hard to justify its investment.
Arktika’s two main purpose:
- navigation through the Northern Sea Route
- delivery of hydrocarbons to Asian markets
Main features of Arktika
Power – 60 МВт (shaft)
Speed – 22 knots (at clean water)
Length – 173.3 m (160 m as per CWL)
Breadth – 34 m (33 m as per CWL)
Depth – 15.2 m
Draught – 10.5 m/8.65 m
Maximum icebreaking capability – 2.9 m
Full displacement – 33 540 t
Specified lifetime – 40 years
Additional Info:
- This ship, which is being constructed to the class of the Russian Maritime Register of Shipping (RS class notation: КМ+ Icebreaker9 [2] AUT2-ICS EPP)
- It has a draught of 33,500 metric tons, will be able to break ice up to 2.9 meters thick and reach speeds of up to 22 knots
- Metal for the body of the icebreaker was supplied by OJSC Magnitogorsk Iron and Steel Works (MMK).
- The icebreaker will be fitted with double-reactor electrical power installation with the main steam source from the reactor plant of a new generation RITM-200 with the power of 175 MW being specially designed for this ship.
“There are no analogs of the icebreaker such as the Arktika in the world,” said Rosatom CEO Sergey Kirienko at the launching ceremony. “This icebreaker is most up-to-date by its parameters; all technical capabilities which have never been used on other vessels are implemented here. The icebreaker Arktika means real new opportunities for our country.”
While comparing the present U.S capacity, Russia is operating dozens of ocean-going icebreakers. Besides, it has already started to revitalize its fleet. Arktika, being recently launched is considered to be the third icebreaker which USC has sent down the ways in the last six months.
US’s Future Plans to build a replacement vessel in FY 2017
The USCG has estimated a requirement for another three heavy and three medium icebreakers to adequately meet mission demands in the high latitudes. The agency has requested $150 million for lead work for designing and building at least one replacement vessel in its FY 2017 budget; several senators have announced that this year’s appropriation could exceed that amount.
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Sources & References: Rosatom, Federation Of American Scientists
