On February 2, Atomflot (Rosatom’s company) and Baltic Shipyard signed a contract for the construction of the fifth and sixth serial universal nuclear icebreakers under Project 22220.
“We continue the serial construction of universal nuclear icebreakers as this is a key element in the comprehensive development of the Russian Arctic,” said Leonid Irlitsa, Acting Director General of Atomflot. “Modern nuclear icebreakers are essential for successful Arctic projects. In high latitudes, we are the only company that is capable of vessel assistance to ensure its steady voyage while maintaining the commercial speed.”
The construction of the fifth and sixth serial universal nuclear icebreakers will be financed in proportion of 50% to 50% from the federal budget and at Atomflot’s expense.
According to the contract, the fifth and sixth serial nuclear icebreakers are scheduled to be commissioned in December 2028 and December 2030 respectively.
Background:
The construction of the third and fourth serial nuclear icebreakers "Yakutia" (contract commissioning - December 2024) and "Chukotka" (contract commissioning - December 2026) is underway. Now three universal nuclear icebreakers of Project 22220 – “Arktika”, “Sibir” and “Ural” - are successfully operating in the Northern Sea Route (NSR). These modern vessels are considered a defining factor in the sustainable development of shipping in high latitudes. Project 22220 nuclear icebreakers will facilitate the year-round navigation in the eastern part of the NSR.
The eastward year-round navigation is required to ensure 80 million tons of cargo flow per year along the NSR, as required by the Decree of the President of the Russian Federation "On the national goals and strategic objectives for the development of the Russian Federation for the period up to 2024" No. 204 of 07.05.2018. By 2030, the cargo traffic may increase up to 150 million tons.
The main characteristics of Project 22220 nuclear icebreakers: length - 168.2 meters, width - 34 meters; design draft - 10.5 m, minimum working draft - 9.3 meters; power - 60 MW (on shafts); displacement - 33.54 thousand tons; the estimated service life is 40 years, the crew includes 54 people.