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Universal nuclear icebreaker Chukotka launched
St. Petersburg, November 6, FederalPress. Today, November 6, the nuclear icebreaker Chukotka was launched in St. Petersburg. Chukotka became the fifth ship of Project 22220 (4th series). The vessel is being built at the Baltic Shipyard, one of the largest shipbuilders in the Russian Federation, by order of the state company Rosatom.
The hull of the universal nuclear icebreaker Chukotka is made of durable, corrosion-resistant steel and is protected from ice formation and adhesion. The 178-ton bow weight, which is part of the enlarged block at the bow end of the ship, allows the icebreaker to break through ice up to 3 meters thick.
The launch capacity of the icebreaker of project 22220 is 60 MW (on the shaft). It weighs 17,000 tons, including the launcher. The ship is equipped with two reactors of the nuclear power plant "RITM-200". The service life of the nuclear reactor is 40 years.
Safe operation of the NPP is ensured by biological protection devices made of stainless steel plates, concrete, lead and other special materials. The protective casing installed on the icebreaker Chukotka helps protect the crew from exposure to ionizing radiation.
The icebreaker's propulsion, steering, speed change and reversal functions are provided by three propeller shafts manufactured at the Baltic Shipyard, taking into account the specifics of operation in Arctic conditions.
After the ship is launched, its completion begins, including the formation of the superstructure and equipping the hulls with equipment.
It is worth noting that the icebreaker of Project 22220 is the largest and most powerful in the world. Their main task is to ensure year-round navigation in the Western Arctic. Currently, three icebreakers (Arktika, Sibir and Ural), built at the Baltic Shipyard, are successfully operating. Yakutia is undergoing mooring tests and is preparing for sailing. The icebreaker is 96% ready. The shipyard is also building two more icebreakers according to this project: Leningrad and Stalingrad.