Russia has the biggest icebreaker fleet in the world and possesses a unique experience in designing, building and operating icebreakers.

The main function of icebreakers is to extend the navigation period. It is most important for development of the Arctic Route, especially in view of new oil and gas fields discovered in the Far North. These resources require a well-functioning transportation system for their development. The key element in the Arctic Route as the transportation system is the fleet of icebreakers and icebreaking transport ships.  

Between 1974 and 1992, Baltiysky Zavod built a family of second-generation nuclear-powered icebreakers. The Arctica, the first in a series (75,000 hp), allowed to ensure a year-round navigation in the Western sector of the Arctic Route (the key line between Murmansk and Dudinka) and to extend the navigational period in other sectors of the Arctic Rote.

In 1989 and 1990, two nuclear icebreakers, the Taimyr and the Vaigach, were built in cooperation with Finnish shipbuilders: hulls and outfitting made by Wärtsilä shipyard, the reactor compartment and its equipment installed by Baltiysky Zavod.

To ensure a year-round navigation along the entire Arctic Route and develop high-latitude lines for transit traffic (the shortest path between the ports of Asia-Pacific and Europe via the Arctic region), still more powerful (up to 150,000-300,000 hp) third-generation icebreakers will be required.

Baltiysky Zavod’s specialization in nuclear icebreakers is being further developed within the context of the Arctic Route Development Program. In collaboration with Iceberg Design Bureau, a new concept of an icebreaking multi-purpose supply ship has been developed. This ship is to become an important part in the servicing and support of the Arctic shipping traffic. Baltiysky Zavod is already fully prepared to build these icebreakers.