Russia Makes Plans for its First LNG Icebreaker

In July 2021 Rosatom, the Russian state nuclear energy firm had hinted at the interest of building LNG-powered icebreakers.  It was then announced on Friday, September 3^rd, by the worlds largest palladium and nickel producer, Nornickel, that they were planning to team up with Rosatom for the efforts.

Russia has been contemplating LNG-powered icebreaking ships for a long time as all of its current icebreaker fleet is nuclear-powered.

With plans to create an international shipping path in the Arctic by developing the Northeast Sea Route and icebreakers being needed to clear the area between November to June so ships can pass through waters safely, the LNG icebreakers would be beneficial.

The goal is to construct the new icebreakers, which will escort vessels carrying Nornickel’s cargo between Arctic assets.