Russia has completed factory sea trials of the newest nuclear icebreaker "Siberia" project 22220 type "Arctic". It is planned to transfer the vessel to the customer by the end of the year.
RIA Novosti reported on the completion of the sea trials of Siberia with reference to the press service of the Baltic Plant. The vessel returned to the enterprise today, November 30.
The icebreaker was in the waters of the Gulf of Finland for more than two weeks. During this time, the factory delivery team, the ship's crew and representatives of counterparty organizations analyzed the operation of mechanisms and equipment.
The specialists tested the steam turbine plant, electric propulsion systems, the operation of shaft lines and deck mechanisms. Among other things, they checked the speed and maneuverability of the serial icebreaker project 22220, as well as its communication and navigation systems.
"Siberia" was laid on May 26, 2015, and launched on September 22, 2017. Sea trials began on November 16. Soon, experts will begin to eliminate the comments that were revealed on the tests. Rosatom (the customer) wants to transfer the icebreaker this year.
Representatives of Project 22220 are the largest and most powerful nuclear icebreakers in the world. The capacity of the "Arctic" is 60 megawatts, it has a displacement (standard) of 25,540 tons. The length of the vessel is 173 meters, the width is 34 meters. The crew consists of 75 people. It was reported that Russia wants to build five new icebreakers, but this year it became known about the imminent laying of two more representatives of the 22220 project. They plan to start building these vessels in 2022.
"Arctic"
Image source: wikipedia
The goal of the program is to ensure Russian leadership in the Arctic. Icebreakers of the Arctic type are capable of conducting caravans of ships, breaking through ice, the thickness of which can reach three meters.
One of the features of the vessel is a variable draft. This allows it to operate effectively both in deep water and in shallow water. Thanks to this, the new icebreaker can replace both the Soviet "Arctic" and vessels of the "Taimyr" type at the same time. This approach will reduce the cost of operating the icebreaker fleet while maintaining its capabilities.
In the future, Russia will receive an even more powerful icebreaker "Leader" with a capacity of 120 megawatts. It has an increased hull width, which will allow large-tonnage vessels to be carried out.
Icebreaker project 10510 "Leader"
Image Source: TASS
The construction of the first such vessel at the Zvezda enterprise began last year. They want to put the icebreaker into operation in 2027. The construction of the Leader is estimated at 127.5 billion rubles. In total, Russia intends to commission three icebreakers of a new type.
