Russia launches nuclear-powered icebreaker

Russia launched a nuclear-powered icebreaker called ‘The Ural’ in St. Petersburg on Saturday.

According to CGTN reports, the Ural is the third and final vessel of Project 22220 series and a part of Russia’s efforts to strengthen its presence in the Arctic.

The icebreaker is said to be powered by a new nuclear reactor. It will be capable of breaking through ice up to three meters thick to make way for ships along North-east passage.

Construction of the phenomenon was said to have started since 2016.

It is billed to make its first trip in 2022.

Heerema has already secured contracts to deploy the vessel in various offshore energy developments, including: Leviathan topsides installation in the Mediterranean Sea; Tyra jackets and topsides installation and removal in the Danish North Sea; Brae B jackets and topsides removal in the U.K. North Sea; as well as transportation and installation of the Hollandse Kust Zuid Alpha HVAC platform in the North Sea, off the Dutch coast.

In the offshore wind sector, Heerema sees a significant growth in the size of wind turbines and foundations and believes Sleipnir is well placed to accommodate this trend.