New Russian Icebreakers Facing Delays

LK-60 series icebreaker Ural

Russia has encountered several delays in its project 22220 nuclear icebreaker program involving LK-60 series ships. In late February the lead vessel of the series, the 33,540-ton displacement Artika, suffered the loss of an electric motor on its right shaft due to a short circuit during sea trials. If the motor requires replacement it will seriously affect the delivery schedule for the ship, which was expected to be handed over to operator FSUE Rosatomflot this summer.

At the same time, the Baltiysky Zavod shipyard has been experiencing problems with the third icebreaker of the series, Ural, because of the late delivery of its turbines by manufacturer KirovEnergoMash. The 173-meter by 34-meter vessel was laid down in mid-2016 and launched in mid-2019 but may not be delivered until late 2022.

A sister, Sibir, is still on schedule for delivery next year while two further units of the same design, ordered last year, will be delivered later in the decade. All of the ships are being powered by two RITM-200 reactors of 175-mW output and feature a dual-draft capability to allow them to operate in both the open Arctic and in the shallow mouths of Russia’s arctic rivers.

By Pacific Maritime