RS class: steel cutting for the new nuclear-powered icebreaker

RS is the only classification society in the world to survey nuclear icebreakers throughout their design, construction and operation stages. According to Oleg Yashenkin, Head of the RS Nuclear Ships Branch, project 22220 incorporates a number of unique engineering solutions. One of the vessel’s technical features is its capacity to change draught, enabling effective operation both in the deep waters of the Arctic’s western regions and in the shallower waters of the Yenisey estuary and in the Gulf of Ob. The vessels are equipped with RITM-200 reactors, which are more powerful (175 MW), light and compact than the units installed on icebreakers of previous projects, and provide improved operational performance in terms of speed and ice passage.

During the construction of icebreakers, RS specialists survey hull structures, the process of machinery installation, radio-navigation and electrical equipment, automation equipment, etc. in accordance with RS Rules and RS-approved design documentation, as well as all applicable requirements of international codes and conventions.

Project 22220 icebreakers are currently the largest and most powerful in the world. They are 173.3 m long and 34 m wide with a displacement of 33.5 thousand tons, 60 MW of power (on shafts), a speed of 22 knots (in clear water) and 40 years of designated service life. The highest ice class (Icebreaker9) and 60 MW of power allow the vessel to move across a solid ice field up to 2.8 m thick.

The Project's lead ship, Arktika, was commissioned in 2020. The icebreakers Sibir and Ural are currently in operation, while Yakutia and Chukotka are under construction. A total of seven units of fleet are to be built in the series. Such large-scale serial construction of nuclear icebreakers is being carried out for the first time in the history of shipbuilding. The vessels are designed for the year-round pilotage of ships servicing hydrocarbon production projects on Yamal, the Gyda Peninsula and the Kara Sea shelf.

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Founded in 1913, Russian Maritime Register of Shipping (RS) is a world-renowned classification society that operates within all spheres of the maritime industry. The organization’s main objectives are to enhance the safety standards of human life at sea, ensure the safe navigation of ships and the secure transportation of cargoes by sea and inland waterways, as well as to develop standards for environmental protection.

RS reviews technical documentation, surveys ships under construction and in service, issues documents and certificates for vessels, offshore facilities, ship machinery, equipment and devices; conducts measurements of ships and floating facilities; carries out surveys to ensure compliance with international conventions; certifies industrial products and manufacturers, quality management systems, sustainability management and occupational health and safety management systems in compliance with ISO standards. RS surveys general cargo containers, thermal containers, tank containers, platform containers, offshore containers, etc.