Russia eyes more 120 MW nuclear icebreakers to dominate icy Northern Sea Route

Russia could start constructing more icebreakers

Likhachev maintained that Russia must move on to the next stage and plan 100 and 150 million tons of cargo and 15 to 17 icebreakers instead of 10 or 11.
“Therefore, we must construct them,” he said.

Russia has prioritized icebreakers’ deployment in the Arctic in the past few months. In November 2024, Moscow announced the new Project 22220 Chukotka nuclear icebreaker.

The project is part of a new generation of icebreakers crucial for transforming the Northern Sea Route through the Arctic into a globally competitive transportation artery.

Arctic a key geopolitical battleground

Russia views the Arctic as a key geopolitical battleground to prioritize natural resource access and security. Reports have revealed that Russia’s advanced icebreakers enable year-round navigation, positioning the country to challenge traditional trade routes like the Suez Canal.

“An icebreaker does not transport cargo, so we need a cargo fleet. I understand that we do not have enough capacity to meet the demand for cargo vessels in advance, and this is where international cooperation is necessary,” said Likhachev.

“We have a very good understanding of business on the international market. Now we are having discussions with several countries that are experts in shipbuilding.”

Growing cooperation on Northern Sea Route

During the conference, talks also highlighted Russia’s growing cooperation with India and China on the Northern Sea Route. Reports revealed that discussions are underway to develop tourism and hospitality in the Arctic to attract young professionals to live and work there.

Last week, Russia President Vladimir Putin, during the plenary session of the International Arctic Forum, also stressed that Moscow should commission new generation icebreakers and strengthen its positions in this sphere, President Vladimir Putin said.

Putin focuses on commissioning new generation icebreakers

“Russia already has the largest icebreaker fleet globally. We need to strengthen these positions, commission new generation icebreakers, including nuclear-powered ones that only Russia now has,” said Putin.

Reports have also revealed that Russia could make efforts to develop the Great Northern Sea Route from Murmansk to Vladivostok, link it with the existing transport infrastructure, inland waterways, the development of railway lines, and the creation of new deep-water ports.

Russian officials have previously underlined that to implement the Great Northern Sea Route project, it is important to develop Arctic shipbuilding.