Medvedev warned of a possible shortage of icebreakers by 2030

By 2030, Russia may face a shortage of icebreakers due to the aging of the nuclear fleet, informed Deputy Chairman of the Security Council of the Russian Federation Dmitry Medvedev at a meeting of the Interdepartmental Commission of the Security Council on Ensuring Russia’s National Interests in the Arctic.

Medvedev explained that half of the group of six ships of the icebreaker fleet under the control of the state corporation “Rosatom” were built using no longer modern technologies, their service life was repeatedly extended and by 2026-2027. they have already exhausted their resources.

“If they are not replaced in the near future with new ships of modern designs, and such projects are known to exist, they are being implemented, then by 2030 there is a risk of facing a shortage of icebreaking capacities,” RIA Novosti quotes him as saying.

The shortage is likely due to delays in the construction schedule and delays in contracts, Medvedev explained. The Deputy Chairman of the Security Council stressed that Russia, against the background of attempts to push its periphery of presence in the Arctic, will not allow a shortage of icebreakers. Two icebreakers were put into operation in 2020-2021, and another vessel will soon be put into operation. By the end of this year, it is planned to conclude a contract for the construction of two more icebreakers, Medvedev added.

In August the government approved strategic document for the development of the Northern Sea Route (NSR) – a roadmap until 2035 worth almost 1.8 trillion rubles. The activities of the plan are divided into five key areas: cargo base, transport infrastructure, cargo and icebreaking fleet, safety, management and development of shipping.

Total funding for the development of the icebreaker fleet for 2022–2030 is estimated at 539 billion rubles. In 2022–2030 five universal nuclear icebreakers of project 22220 will be commissioned. They should replace the Soviet icebreakers Vaigach, Taimyr, Yamal and 50 years of Victory. The lead icebreaker Arktika of project 22220 was commissioned in October 2020, the second serial icebreaker of the Ural project will be commissioned in 2022. It was previously reported that its sea trials are scheduled to begin in September. In 2022–2027 it is also planned to build the lead icebreaker of project 10510 “Leader”, and in 2023-2030. – four additional icebreakers.

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