Russia’s Demand for Nuclear-Powered Icebreakers to Be Determined

zoomIllustration; Image Courtesy: Paul Nicklen / National Geographic Stock / WWF-Canada The Center for Strategic Development will evaluate Russias demand for next-generation super-heavy nuclear-powered icebreakers for the purposes of freight transportation along the Northern Sea Route (NSR), The Arctic said.  The survey has been ordered by Atomflot (Rosatom Flot), a company owned by the Rosatom State Corporation. The center will also develop a financial and economic model for the construction and operations of the icebreakers, RIA Novosti reported. As informed, the center will have to determine the demand and evaluate the socioeconomic and budget effects of the construction and operation of two 10510 Lider new-generation icebreakers for marine freight transportation through the Russian Arctic. This includes evaluating the current and potential (by 2030) volume of the freight transported via the NSR and other key competing routes. The newbuildings would be equipped with nuclear-powered steam generating systems consisting of two 315 MW reactors. The ships are expected to ensure year-round navigation on NSR and expeditions to the Arctic. The first Project 10510 icebreaker may be built by 2030, according to The Arctic.