How is the lead nuclear icebreaker of project 22220 being completed?
February 13, 2025

Construction of the "Arktika" LK-60Ya class icebreaker has been underway at the Baltic Shipyard for Rosatomflot since 2013.

The Project 22220 was developed by the "Iceberg" Central Design Bureau. Upon completion, the icebreaker should look approximately like this:

Model of Project 22220 icebreaker
© sudostroenie.info

To see how the actual vessel matches the model, one can visit berth 7 at the Baltic Shipyard's outfitting quay, where "Arktika" has been based since March 2019.

Since nuclear fuel loading began in May, access to the vessel under construction now requires special permission.

Universal nuclear icebreaker Project 22220

Universal nuclear icebreaker Project 22220 "Arktika"

After completing all formalities, visitors can enter the superstructure and proceed to the mess room.

Universal nuclear icebreaker Project 22220 "Arktika"
© sudostroenie.info

Interior finishing work continues inside the superstructure. After applying thermal and fireproof insulation, and routing cables and utilities, the paneling is being installed.

Icebreaker interior spaces

Icebreaker interior spaces "Arktika"
© sudostroenie.info

The scale of work becomes apparent when considering that Project 22220 icebreakers contain 1,380 compartments.

Icebreaker interior spaces

Icebreaker interior spaces "Arktika"
© sudostroenie.info

After completing all work and installing furniture, the icebreaker's interiors will look approximately like this. The mess room porthole offers excellent views of the Neva River and the vessel's foredeck.

Icebreaker porthole

Icebreaker porthole "Arktika"
© sudostroenie.info

Bow of nuclear icebreaker

Bow of nuclear icebreaker "Arktika"
© sudostroenie.info

Outfitting work continues here, though major deck equipment including cranes and winches is already in place.

On icebreaker's deck

On icebreaker's deck "Arktika"
© sudostroenie.info

On icebreaker's deck

On icebreaker's deck "Arktika"
© sudostroenie.info

The shipbuilders then showed journalists the living quarters block. This is how the captain's cabin looks from inside. Interestingly, all clocks currently show the same time - 12 o'clock.

Icebreaker living quarters

Icebreaker living quarters "Arktika"
© sudostroenie.info

Icebreaker living quarters

Icebreaker living quarters "Arktika"
© sudostroenie.info

Returning to the staircase and climbing higher. After ascending seven superstructure levels, we reach the bridge. Notably, access isn't limited to stairs - four elevators serve the vessel, with at least one currently operational using shore power.

Internal staircase on icebreaker

Internal staircase on icebreaker "Arktika"
© sudostroenie.info

From here, the world's most powerful icebreaker will be controlled. "Arktika's" propulsion system consists of three fixed-pitch propellers (6.2m diameter), each driven by 20MW electric motors.

Icebreaker's bridge

Icebreaker's bridge "Arktika"
© sudostroenie.info

Main equipment is installed but remains under protective covers. Intensive work will commence during commissioning and sea trials.

Icebreaker's bridge

Icebreaker's bridge "Arktika"
© sudostroenie.info

Icebreaker's bridge

Icebreaker's bridge "Arktika"

According to Chief Builder Vadim Golovanov, the lead Project 22220 icebreaker will begin sea trials in early winter, with departure scheduled for December 3, 2019.

Icebreaker's chief builder

Icebreaker's chief builder Vadim Golovanov
© sudostroenie.info

Let's explore more of "Arktika's" upper deck.

On nuclear icebreaker's deck

On nuclear icebreaker's deck "Arktika"
© sudostroenie.info

From here, the radar mast is clearly visible. Its installation established the vessel's final height at 52 meters.

Icebreaker's mast

The icebreaker's maximum length reaches 173.3m with 34m beam. Water ballast systems enable draft adjustment between 8.5-10.5m.

Icebreaker's deck

This dual-draft capability allows Project 22220 vessels to operate both in deepwater Northern Sea Route channels and shallow Siberian river estuaries, justifying their "universal" classification.

Icebreaker's deck "Arktika"

Beneath the superstructure lies the advanced RITM-200 reactor plant. The power system comprises two reactors and two steam-generating units (175MW thermal power each). Compared to previous generations, RITM-200 offers more compact dimensions and reduced weight - key factors enabling the dual-draft functionality.

Icebreaker's deck "Arktika"

From "Arktika's" deck, the first serial Project 22220 icebreaker "Sibir" is clearly visible. Nearby moors the second serial icebreaker "Ural", launched on May 25.

Contracts for constructing the third and fourth Project 22220 icebreakers are expected in August-September. The shipyard for these new vessels hasn't been officially announced yet, though the Baltic Shipyard appears well positioned to continue the series.

Nuclear icebreaker Project 22220 "Arktika"

Regarding delivery timelines for icebreakers under construction: "Arktika" should begin operations on the Northern Sea Route in May 2020, "Sibir" in 2021, and "Ural" a year later.

March 06, 2025

In 2024, the financial performance of Russian fishermen decreased by 31%.

February 24, 2025

RKO continues to monitor the construction of tugboats in Cherepovets from a technical point of view.

February 13, 2025

In January 2025, the volume of cargo transportation through Russian seaports decreased by 1.6%.