The nuclear-powered icebreaker Sibir returns home after a remarkable season, highlighting Russia’s commitment to dominating Arctic navigation through cutting-edge icebreaking technology. The portnews source.
- The icebreaker Sibir completed a productive Northern Sea Route season, assisting 128 vessels over 62,000 nautical miles.
- Sibir, the first serial icebreaker of Project 22220, continues to lead the way in Arctic navigation, with several more icebreakers under construction.
- Russia’s investment in powerful icebreaking vessels is ensuring year-round Arctic navigation and cementing its position as a key player in the region’s development.
Season of Assistance
The nuclear-powered icebreaker Sibir, a flagship of Project 22220 operated by Rosatom’s FSUE Atomflot, has returned to its Murmansk homeport after an impressive navigation season. From November 2022 to September 2023, Sibir provided vital assistance to 128 vessels, covering an astonishing 62,155.6 nautical miles along the challenging Northern Sea Route.
Ensuring Safe Passage
During this recent mission, Sibir participated in a remarkable operation, escorting the largest Capesize bulker carrying 164.5 thousand tonnes of iron-ore concentrate across the East Siberian Sea. Acting General Director of FSUE Atomflot, Oleg Darbinyan, emphasized the crew’s dedication to ensuring the safe passage of this massive vessel.
A Pioneering Project
Sibir, the first serial icebreaker of Project 22220, has played a pioneering role since its inception in May 2015. With its launch in September 2017 and the state-hoisting ceremony in January 2022, it quickly embarked on its inaugural voyage along the Northern Sea Route. Today, three nuclear-powered icebreakers of Project 22220 are already operational in the region.
Expanding the Icebreaking Fleet
Russia’s commitment to year-round navigation in the Arctic is evident as construction continues at the Baltiysky Zavod shipyard. The third and fourth nuclear-powered icebreakers of Project 22220, IB Yakutia and IB Chukotka, are on track for delivery in December 2024 and December 2026, respectively. Furthermore, a recent contract was signed for the construction of the fifth and sixth icebreakers, Kamchatka and Sakhalin, with delivery scheduled for December 2028 and December 2030. These multipurpose icebreakers, with a remarkable power of 60 MW, are set to become the backbone of Russia’s civil icebreaking fleet, ensuring the nation’s dominance in Arctic navigation.
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