The icebreaker is scheduled for commissioning in 2027 and will have two RITM-400 type nuclear reactors, four generators and four electric propulsion motors. The ship's total power capacity of 120 megawatts (MW) will be at least twice that of other icebreakers currently under construction or in service.

The newbuild will be able to sail through ice at a speed of 2 knots over 4 meters thick, and will be able to speed up to 12 knots in ice which is 2 meters thick. The icebreaker would be able to clear a route about 50 meters wide, enough space for vessels with carrying capacity over 50,000 metric tons, at 210 meters long and 47 meters wide with a daft of 13 metres.

The order contract with Atomflot was formally signed in April by Zvezda, who was chosen to develop the icebreaker under President Vladimir Putin's guidance.

At Putin's direction, the shipyard, which is currently operational but still under construction itself, was also commissioned to build various vessel types, including those not previously manufactured domestically, such as the Arc7 LNG carriers used to transport gas from the Yamal LNG plant in the Russian Arctic.

Currently, Zvezda's order book amounts to 39 vessels, with options for a further 20, including 28 Rosneft boats. Its first newbuild, a Rosneft dual-fuel tanker with 114,000 dwt, was launched in May.

Maritime Business World