RS Signs Plan Approval Agreement for Nuclear-Powered Icebreaker

Russian Maritime Register of Shipping (RS) has signed a plan approval agreement for a novel multipurpose nuclear-powered icebreaker with CKB ‘Iceberg’, JSC.

As compared to the previous generation of Arctic icebreakers, the new nuclear-powered icebreaker features enhanced performance characteristics: power increased by 20% up to 60 MW and displacement increased by 1.7 times. Owing to a new design concept, the icebreaker will be able to operate at two working drafts both in deep water areas of the Arctic (Barents, Pechora and Kara Seas included) and in the estuaries of Siberian rivers such as the Yenisei and Ob.

The specific power of the icebreaker will be ensured by two novel type reactor plants with enhanced performance characteristics. As compared to plants presently operated by the nuclear fleet, the main equipment life between yard repairs has been increased by 70 %, the plant mass being reduced 1.7 times and the core refueling period for the fuel unit increased to 7 years.

Russian Maritime Register of Shipping will also engage in the survey over construction of the nuclear-powered icebreaker, in its mooring tests and trials. The survey over construction will be completed by issuing the ship with RS certificates. When the construction is terminated, RS will continue the survey of the icebreaker, this time in operation.

The nuclear-powered icebreaker is to be commissioned by the end of 2017.

At present, RS is the global leader in developing icebreaker and ice ship safety standards. RS has been involved in the construction of all icebreakers operating in Russia today. With modern requirements at hand for the ice class of ships, RS is entitled to participate in advanced projects of icebreaker and ice ship construction. RS is the only classification society in the world having civil nuclear fleet in its class.

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RS, May 7, 2013