Russia has officially announced the successful completion of the fourth Project 22220 nuclear-powered icebreaker, proudly named Yakutia. The momentous occasion was commemorated with a ceremony that saw the Russian national flag unfurled aboard the immense vessel. Operated by Russia’s State Atomic Energy Corporation, Rosatom’s FSUE Atomfloat, the icebreaker marks a significant milestone in the country’s maritime capabilities.
The primary objectives of the Yakutia icebreaker are twofold: to bolster Russia’s economic activities by facilitating expanded operations in the sea and to enhance its nuclear-powered fleet. The construction contract for two nuclear-powered icebreakers was inked back in 2019, with the keel being laid in May 2020 at the Baltic Shipyard. Following its launch in November 2022, sea trials commenced in December 2024 in the Gulf of Finland.
Having successfully completed the Yakutia, attention has now turned to its sister ship, Chukotka, currently in the construction phase. Furthermore, Russia has outlined plans for the construction of two additional icebreakers, slated for completion in December 2028 and December 2030.
The official ceremony marking the hoisting of the Russian national flag on the third serial universal nuclear-powered icebreaker, Yakutia, from Project 22220 took place in St. Petersburg on December 28, 2024. The event was attended by key figures such as Anton Alikhanov, Minister of Industry and Trade of Russia (participating via video conference), and Alexey Likhachev, Rosatom’s Director General. Russian President Vladimir Putin also extended his congratulations during the flag-raising ceremony.
President Putin’s message during the ceremony highlighted the historical significance of the event, noting that the flag-raising on the Yakutia coincided with an important anniversary for Russia’s nuclear icebreaker fleet. He referenced the launch of the Lenin, the world’s first civilian vessel powered by a nuclear reactor, which took place 65 years ago in December 1959.
Likhachev emphasized the growth of Russia’s nuclear icebreaker fleet, mentioning that there are currently eight vessels in operation. Looking ahead, he projected that by 2030, the icebreaker group on the Northern Sea Route would expand to encompass a total of 17 vessels. He also pointed out that in November 2024, a record transit was achieved on the Northern Sea Route, with the total volume of cargo transported reaching 38 million tons for the year.
The Yakutia icebreaker measures an impressive 567 feet (172.7 meters) in length, with a width of 111 feet (34 meters) and a minimum operational draft of 29.6 feet (9.03 meters). Part of the Project 22220 series, this vessel is designed for a service life of 40 years and follows the tradition of being named after a region along the Northern Sea Route.
Russian officials have highlighted the unique features of
