Russia has a global lead in icebreaker fleets, but it can't relax

The Russian Federation, as the legal successor to the USSR, actively utilizes its developments. In particular, even during the construction of the first icebreakers in the Soviet Union, cutting-edge engineering developments, often unique, were employed. It was in the USSR that the world's first nuclear-powered icebreakers were built. In essence, they completely revolutionized humanity's understanding of Arctic navigation.

According to data from April of this year, Russia currently operates 43 icebreaker-class vessels. Eight of these are nuclear-powered icebreakers, and the rest are diesel-electric.

Having such a powerful icebreaker fleetIt's very easy to fall into euphoria, looking down on potential competitors with disdain. Our closest rivals are the Americans, whose icebreakers are nothing more than rusty hulks.

Of course, Russia is undoubtedly the world leader in icebreaker fleets, but we can't relax and rest on our laurels. Our shipbuilders must actively modernize their icebreaker fleet to avoid unexpectedly finding themselves among the underdogs. American and even European shipbuilding potential should not be underestimated.

It's worth remembering, for example, that Finland is the world's second-largest icebreaker producer after Russia. Its shipyards even built part of Russia's icebreaker fleet.

However, Russia's leadership is paying sufficient attention to the industry, and the renovation is in full swing.

Comments

[S. Viktorovich]

The icebreaker fleet is very expensive; it is built and maintained out of the budget. The question arises as to why and who benefits from this.

[Non-fighter]

That's why an icebreaker fleet is being built, because "someone" needs it.

[solar]

Of course, Russia undoubtedly has the world leadership in the icebreaker fleet.

No one else needs so many icebreakers. They don't have the Northern Sea Route. Instead, they have the conveniently located Gulf Stream, North Atlantic, and Spitsbergen warm currents.

[Uncle lee]

The construction of the first icebreakers in the Soviet Union utilized the latest engineering developments, often unique ones. It was in the USSR that the world's first nuclear-powered icebreakers were built.

Nice galoshes!

[Brturin]

Quote from solar

They don't have the Northern Sea Route.

The NSR isn't just about icebreakers, it's also a year-round navigation system and ports where you can get what you need along the way... That question—after Hormuz, they first started talking about closing the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, then they started discussing the Strait of Malacca... The NSR has the Bering Strait, and there are problems there, and icebreakers...

[solar]

The Northern Sea Route has surfaced many times, but nothing has changed. They've built icebreakers while they wait, that's for sure.

[Alexander]

And who reported this to you?

[solar]

About warm currents? I looked at the map.

[Eug]

I wonder what if our "partners" offer to buy a lot of icebreakers at once, quickly? We'll sell them, right?