USC Ready to Build Four Additional Nuclear Icebreakers by 2032
February 13, 2025

The United Shipbuilding Corporation (USC) has announced its readiness to construct four additional universal nuclear-powered icebreakers of Project 22220 by 2032. The statement was made by USC CEO Alexei Rakhmanov during the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum.

According to Rakhmanov, earlier delivery is possible if needed. The vessels will be built at the Baltic Shipyard in Saint Petersburg — Russia’s key facility for nuclear shipbuilding, which is part of USC.

Rosatom's Director General Alexey Likhachev confirmed that the newly planned ships include the fifth and sixth serial units (sixth and seventh in total) of the 22220 project. This move is part of a broader effort to expand the icebreaking fleet for year-round navigation along the Northern Sea Route.

About Project 22220: These nuclear icebreakers are the largest and most powerful in the world. They are designed to guide large cargo vessels through the Arctic, ensuring year-round transport even in severe ice conditions.

• Developer: Iceberg Central Design Bureau

• Length: 173.3 m

• Beam: 34 m

• Design draft: 10.5 m

• Minimum operational draft: 8.55 m

• Power: 60 MW

• Displacement: 33,540 tonnes

• Service life: up to 40 years

• Crew: 75 persons

Previously, Rosatomflot (a Rosatom subsidiary) has already received two icebreakers — Arktika and Sibir. Ural, Yakutia, and Chukotka are currently at various stages of construction.

Photo: Sudostroenie.info