ST. PETERSBURG, Dec. 10 (Xinhua) -- Russia plans to operate a fleet of 11 nuclear-powered icebreakers along the Northern Sea Route by 2035, a senior official from Russia's state nuclear corporation Rosatom announced on Wednesday.
The plan was unveiled by Sergei Zybko, head of the Chief Directorate of the Northern Sea Route (known as Glavsevmorput, a Rosatom subsidiary), during a plenary session at the 15th International Forum The Arctic: Present and Future.
Zybko said that in addition to the nuclear icebreakers, the plan includes deploying approximately 100 vessels with high ice-class capabilities. These ships are essential for safe and efficient navigation in icy waters, as they follow the powerful icebreakers to prevent blockages and reduce the risk of ice-related damage.
Russia's current nuclear icebreaker fleet consists of eight vessels. Several new vessels are reportedly under construction or in the planning phase, including the Project 10510 lead vessel Rossiya, expected to be the world's most powerful nuclear icebreaker once completed. ■