24.04.2008
The Sevmash shipyard in Severodvinsk, Arkhangelsk Oblast, could be the place for construction of the next generation of Russian nuclear-powered icebreakers.
Several experts believe the plant is the likely site for the construction of the next generation of Russian icebreakers, Regnum reports. From before, Sevmash is world-known for its construction of nuclear-powered submarines.
According to head of the Sevmash press service, Mikhail Starozhilov, the plant’s production engineers have drafted the project, designed to suit the plant capacities. The drafts have been sent to the corresponding departments, he confirms.
- The project of constructing atomic icebreakers is incorporated into the development plan of Sevmash, Mr. Starozhilov stresses. He believes the plant has the best chances of getting an order.
- We have mastered the technology of constructing atomic submarines and have started to construct a floating nuclear power plant”, said Starozhilov.
However, it still remains unclear whether the Russia’s Ministry of Transportation will grant an order to the Sevmash construction plant. The Baltiyski construction plant outside Sankt Petersburg might be a serious competitor.
The Ministry of Transportation has earlier confirmed that it will initiate the design and subsequent construction a new universal atomic ice-breaker with a working capacity of 60MW. Òhe project will be completed in 2009 and the icebreaker is to be constructed by 2015.
Russia last year launched it “50-Years Victory” vessel, the newest of the country’s nine nuclear-powered icebreaking vessels. The management of the icebreaker fleet is now being transferred to the state-owned Rosatom company after having been run by the Murmansk Shipping Company for years.
Source:
. Photo: BarentsPhoto.com
