NS Chukotka icebreaker

NS Chukotka (“атомный ледокол Чукотка”) is a next-generation Russian nuclear icebreaker and one of the world’s largest vessels of this type. “NS” stands for “nuclear ship”. The vessel is state-owned (Russian Federation via FSUE Atomflot) and operated by Rosatom. Atomflot provides maintenance and technological support for all Russian nuclear icebreakers and also manages the country’s special-purpose vessel fleet.

NS Chukotka is currently scheduled for delivery to FSUE Atomflot and commissioning in December 2026.

The vessel (IMO number 9924106) will be Russia-flagged (MMSI tba) and registered in Murmansk.

Besides NS Chukotka, Russia’s active nuclear icebreaker fleet includes Rossiya (2027/Project Leader), Sibir (2021), Ural (2022), Arktika (2020), Yakutia (2024), Leningrad (2028), Stalingrad (2030), Taymyr (1989), Vaygach (1990), Yamal (1992), and 50 Let Pobedy (2007).

Among the newest and largest Russian icebreakers, Chukotka is the 5th vessel of the “Project 22220” (LK-60Ya) series—a class of seven nuclear-powered icebreakers designed and built in Russia.

Construction of NS Chukotka officially began with the keel-laying ceremony on December 16, 2020. The vessel (hull/yard number 05712) will be launched/floated out in 2024 and is currently planned for delivery and commissioning in December 2026.

These sisterships are the world’s largest and most powerful icebreakers, surpassing the nuclear cruise ship 50 Let Pobedy (50 Years of Victory) by 14 m in length and 4 m in width.

Negotiations between Atomflot and USC (United Shipbuilding Corporation) were lengthy. In early 2013, the federal government allocated RUB 86.1 billion (~USD 1.3 billion) for the project. Rosatom insisted that two icebreakers should cost a total of RUB 77.5 billion (~USD 1.2 billion), but the offer was declined by the Baltic Shipyard (Baltiyskiy Yard). A second tender with an adjusted price of RUB 84.4 billion was announced in December 2013.

Due to the vessel’s dual-draft configuration (8.7 m / 10.5 m), Chukotka’s deployment program focuses on supporting Northern Sea Route operations and includes Arctic sea navigation as well as polar river services. Operational areas in the Arctic Ocean include the Barents Sea, Kara Sea, Pechora Sea, the Yenisei estuary, and the Ob River (Gulf of Ob).

Russia’s nuclear icebreaker fleet is used exclusively in the Arctic Ocean to escort merchant vessels and support research stations operating in ice-covered waters north of Siberia. These ships also participate in scientific missions and Arctic cruise expeditions. Nuclear icebreakers must operate in cold waters to ensure effective reactor cooling.

NS Chukotka vessel details

Project 22220 nuclear icebreakers have a minimum draught of 8.6 m (28 ft) and a maximum draught of 10.5 m (34 ft). The dual-draft design enables operations in both deep Arctic waters and shallow river estuaries.

Each vessel is equipped with two RITM-200 nuclear reactors providing a combined thermal capacity of 350 MW. Propulsion output is 110 MW. The previous generation produced 60 MW, which is why the class is also known as “LK-60”. The RITM-200 is a pressurized water reactor developed by OKBM Afrikantov and designed for 55 MWe electrical output. It uses up to 20% enriched uranium-235, is refueled every 7 years, and has a planned service life of 40 years. The RITM-200 also powers Russia’s newest aircraft carriers (Project 23000E).

Chukotka’s maximum icebreaking capability is 2.8 m (9 ft) at a cruising speed of 1.5–2 knots (2.8 kph / 1.7 mph).

In May 2015, Russia confirmed plans to develop a new generation of nuclear icebreakers capable of breaking Arctic ice up to 4.5 m (15 ft) thick. These future vessels will feature propulsion output of 110 MW—nearly twice that of Project 22220 ships.

The steel used for NS Chukotka (“Mill 5000” plate) was supplied by MMK (Magnitogorsk Iron and Steel Works), one of the world’s largest steel producers and the supplier of more than 50% of Russia’s shipbuilding steel. “Mill 5000” steel is used for naval vessels, tankers, and ice-class ships and is certified by Lloyd’s Register and Bureau Veritas.

NS Chukotka features 1 dining room, Sauna, Library, Auditorium, Passenger Lounge, Volleyball Court, Gymnasium, 1 heated indoor swimming pool, Infirmary, 1 elevator, and 1 helipad (helicopter deck) equipped for a Mi-2 transport helicopter.

• DWT (Deadweight): 9000 tons
• Displacement: 33,540 tons
• Clear path width: 50 m (164 ft)
• Draught: 8.6 m (min), 10.5 m (max)
• Height: 52 m (171 ft)
• Icebreaking capacity: 2.8 m (9 ft)
• Ice-class: 9 (highest)
• Lifespan: 40 years
• Range: unlimited
• Powerplant: 2× RITM-200 nuclear reactors (175 MW each / 350 MW total)
• Propulsion: 3 shafts (110 MW total)

Project 22220 vessels have an endurance of 6 months (provisions) and 7 years (nuclear reactor fuel).

Note: In areas with limited AIS coverage, tracking the vessel’s real-time position may be impossible.

You can view CruiseMapper’s complete list of icebreakers and icebreaking research ships in the “itinerary” section of our Icebreakers hub.