Russian President Vladimir Putin recently presided over the launch ceremony for Russia's latest nuclear-powered icebreaker, named Chukotka. This event marks a pivotal step in Moscow's strategy to bolster its presence in the Arctic and compensate for markets lost due to Western sanctions.
During the ceremony, which Putin attended via video link, he emphasized the importance of strengthening the nation's icebreaker fleet as part of plans for Arctic development and increasing cargo traffic along the Northern Sea Route.
This route, stretching approximately 5,000 kilometers between the Barents Sea and the Chukchi Sea, is promoted by Russia as an alternative shipping lane between Europe and Asia, potentially reducing transit times by up to 15 days compared to the Suez Canal.
The Chukotka joins Russia's formidable fleet of nuclear-powered icebreakers, designed to withstand extreme Arctic conditions and navigate through ice up to 2.8 meters thick.
The vessel measures around 173 meters in length, displaces 33,500 metric tons, and has an expected service life of 40 years. It will join its predecessors, the Arktika, Sibir, and Ural, upon its commissioning in late 2026.
Additionally, two more nuclear icebreakers, the Yakutia and the Leningrad, are currently under construction, with plans to commence work on a seventh vessel, the Stalingrad, in 2025.
Putin highlighted that "the creation of these powerful, modern vessels is yet another demonstration of Russia’s industrial, scientific, human, and technological potential," underlining the nation's commitment to developing its economy based on indigenous technologies and innovative scientific solutions.
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