Russian subs won't be refitted for oil and ore transportation – Rubin design bureau

22.12.2010 Russian shipbuilders renounced an idea to refit Project 941 nuclear submarines for oil and ore transportation. Their use for civilian purposes is inexpedient, said Andrei Diachkov, director general of Rubin Central Design Bureau for Marine Engineering appearing at Monday's press conference related to 110th anniversary of submarine designing in Russia.

Rubin had designed the world's most unique Typhoon class heavy nuclear-powered submarines. Most of them do not execute combat duties due to various reasons. Earlier on, shipbuilders along with company Norilsky Nikel considered the possibility to use those subs for under-ice deliveries of ore in Arctic waters. It was planned to refit missile compartments into cargo holds.

Typhoon class heavy nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarines (Project 941 Akula) are the world's biggest submarines.