PUBLISHED NOV 17, 2021 8:40 PM BY THE MARITIME EXECUTIVE

 

Russia has begun sea trials on what it reports is the larger and most powerful icebreaker in the world. The nuclear-powered Siberia departed on November 16 sailing into the Gulf of Finland to begin three weeks of testing before commissioning.

The Siberia is part of the Russian Project 22220 being built by the Baltiysky Zavod (Baltic Shipyard). The vessel is reported to be 33,530 dwt with a length of 569 feet and a maximum beam of 112 feet. It is manned by a crew of up to 75 people. The icebreaker is powered by a pair of RITM-200 nuclear reactors generating 175 MW. Russian reports indicate that a new generation system was developed especially for these ships. The ship reported can travel at speeds up to 22 knots and is designed to handle ice up to nine feet thick at speeds of 1.5 to 2 knots.

For the next three weeks, the commissioning team will check the operation of the mechanisms and equipment of the icebreaker. Experts are planning to carry out a series of tests, including the operation of a steam turbine unit, electric propulsion systems of a ship, operation of shaft lines, and deck mechanisms (anchor and steering gear).

 

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