Russia’s Yakutia: Fourth Nuclear Icebreaker Joins Fleet Amid NSR Expansion

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  • Russia has completed its fourth Project 22220 nuclear-powered icebreaker, Yakutia, with a flag-raising ceremony in St. Petersburg.
  • The icebreaker, designed to enhance Russia’s maritime economic activities and nuclear fleet, features advanced domestically-built components due to Western sanctions.
  • Yakutia is powered by two RITM-200 nuclear reactors, has a service life of 40 years, and can operate in ice up to 10 feet thick.

Russia’s fourth Project 22220 nuclear-powered icebreaker, Yakutia, has officially joined its fleet after a ceremonial flag-raising event in December 2024, reports IE.

Yakutia’s Development and Specifications

Construction began in 2020, with its keel laid in May 2020 and sea trials starting in December 2024.

The vessel measures 567 feet in length, has a width of 111 feet, and operates with two RITM-200 nuclear reactors providing 175 MW of power.

It can navigate through ice up to 10 feet thick and is built with a service life of 40 years.

Strategic Importance

The icebreaker is part of Russia’s efforts to strengthen its nuclear-powered fleet and increase operations along the Northern Sea Route (NSR).

It supports record cargo transit, which reached 38 million tons in 2024.

Ceremonial Highlights

Russian President Vladimir Putin and Rosatom Director General Alexey Likhachev acknowledged the vessel’s importance, linking it to the 65th anniversary of the Lenin, the world’s first civilian nuclear-powered vessel.

Officials emphasized that Yakutia uses domestically-produced components, a shift necessitated by sanctions.

Future Plans

Russia is constructing another sister ship, Chukotka, and plans two more icebreakers, set for completion in 2028 and 2030.

By 2030, Russia’s nuclear icebreaker fleet is projected to grow from eight to 17 vessels.

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Source: IE