Moscow unveils N-powered icebreaking vessel

Published November 23, 2022
Russian President Vladimir Putin takes part in a ceremony to raise Russia’s national flag on a nuclear-powered icebreaker and the launch of the largest nuclear icebreaker, Yakutia, via video link from the Novo-Ogaryovo state residence outside Moscow.—Reuters
Russian President Vladimir Putin takes part in a ceremony to raise Russia’s national flag on a nuclear-powered icebreaker and the launch of the largest nuclear icebreaker, Yakutia, via video link from the Novo-Ogaryovo state residence outside Moscow.—Reuters

SAINT PETERSBURG: President Vladimir Putin on Tuesday oversaw the launch of a new nuclear-powered icebreaker as Russia pushes to develop the Arctic and seeks new energy markets amid sanctions over Ukraine.

Addressing a Saint Petersburg ceremony for the launch of the Yakutia icebreaker by video link, Putin said such vessels were of “strategic” importance for Russia. In addition to floating out the Yakutia, authorities also symbolically raised a flag on another nuclear-powered icebreaker, the Ural.

The Ural and the Yakutia are part of a fleet of nuclear-powered icebreakers that are meant to ensure Moscow’s dominance over the melting Arctic.

The Kremlin chief vowed to develop his country’s nuclear fleet despite current difficulties in Russia’s economy and production in an apparent reference to Western sanctions over Moscow’s offensive in Ukraine. “We will increase the capabilities of our nuclear icebreaker fleet,” Putin said.

He said this should be achieved “using domestic equipment and components”. The Ural is expected to become operational in December, while the Yakutia will join the fleet in late 2024, Putin said.

The vessels are designed to resist extreme weather conditions in the Far North, have a length of 173 metres (568 feet) and can smash through ice up to 2.8 metres thick.

The Russian leader said the ships were part of Moscow’s efforts “to consolidate Russia’s status as a great Arctic power”.

He once again stressed the importance of developing the so-called Northern Sea Route, which allows ships to reach Asian ports up to 15 days faster than via the traditional Suez Canal.

“This very important corridor will allow Russia to realise its export potential in full, and establish an effective logistics route to South-East Asia,” Putin said. Moscow has for years heavily invested in the route.

Published in Dawn, November 23rd, 2022

Opinion

Editorial

Judiciary’s SOS
Updated 28 Mar, 2024

Judiciary’s SOS

The ball is now in CJP Isa’s court, and he will feel pressure to take action.
Data protection
28 Mar, 2024

Data protection

WHAT do we want? Data protection laws. When do we want them? Immediately. Without delay, if we are to prevent ...
Selling humans
28 Mar, 2024

Selling humans

HUMAN traders feed off economic distress; they peddle promises of a better life to the impoverished who, mired in...
New terror wave
Updated 27 Mar, 2024

New terror wave

The time has come for decisive government action against militancy.
Development costs
27 Mar, 2024

Development costs

A HEFTY escalation of 30pc in the cost of ongoing federal development schemes is one of the many decisions where the...
Aitchison controversy
Updated 27 Mar, 2024

Aitchison controversy

It is hoped that higher authorities realise that politics and nepotism have no place in schools.