Putin Oversees Keel Laying of โNew โNuclear Icebreaker, ‘Stalingrad‘
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Published November 21, 2023 โ| St. Petersburg, โคRussia
Russian President Vladimir Putin participated remotely in the keel-laying ceremony for the nuclear-powered icebreaker Stalingrad on Tuesday, November 18th, at theโ Baltic Shipyard in St. Petersburg. The event, reported by TASS news agency, underscores Russia’s commitment to strengthening its strategic position in the Arctic region.
Strategic Importance of the Arctic
During his address, President Putin emphasized the critical need to bolster Russia’s long-term presence in the Arctic.He highlightedโฃ the importance of maximizing the nation’s โขlogistical capabilities and developing a viable trans-Arctic transport corridor connecting St. Petersburg to Vladivostok. This corridor is envisioned as a keyโ component of Russia’s future trade and โtransportation network.
Stalingrad: โA Powerful New Vessel
The Stalingrad, measuring 173.3 meters (approximatelyโค 568 feet) in length, โis a next-generation universal nuclear-powered icebreaker belonging toโ the Project 22220 โฃseries. It is designed to break through ice up to 2.9โ meters (approximately 9.5 feet) thick, ensuring safe passage for vessels inโข challenging Arctic conditions.
These Project 22220 icebreakersโ are engineered for โคyear-roundโข operation inโฃ the western Arctic and possess the capabilityโค to function for extended periods – several years – withoutโค the need for โrefueling. This extended operational range is crucial for maintaining consistent โขnavigation throughout the region.
Facilitating the Northern Sea Route
A key feature of the Project 22220 icebreakers is their variable-draft design. Thisโ allows them to navigate notโค only theโฃ deep waters of the Arctic Oceanโค but also the โคshallower sections of rivers like theโฃ Yenisei and the Gulf of Ob. This versatility is essential for supporting and expanding transport along the Northern Sea Route, a vital shipping lane.
President Putin also noted โthe broader benefits โคofโค developing Arctic port โขinfrastructure andโค expanding the nuclear icebreaker fleet. Heโ stated that these investments will directly contribute to improved living conditionsโค in Arctic cities โฃand settlements by creating new employment opportunities โฃand fostering comprehensive regional development.
“The development of the โคArctic is a nationalโ priorityโ for Russia, and these icebreakers are essential for unlocking the region’s vast potential.”
– Vladimir Putin, President โof Russia