Russian energy company Rosatom received its nuclear-powered icebreaker, which was constructed by the United Shipbuilding Corporation’s Baltic Shipyard division.
The icebreaker named Yakutia was delivered shortly after completing its sea trials and is the fourth vessel built under Project 22220, a program initiated in the 1990s to replace Russia’s aging fleet of icebreakers.
As reported, the icebreaker is powered by two pressurized water reactors, each delivering 175 MWt. In addition the reactors use 20% enriched Uranium-235 and have enough fuel to last seven years, minimizing the need for refueling.
Yakutia will be operated by Rosatom through its icebreaking division, Atomflot. The vessel is expected to have a service life of 40 years, primarily operating in the western Arctic regions off Russia.
