Russia says world's largest nuclear icebreaker embarks on Arctic voyage

Moscow, September 22

A nuclear-powered ice breaker Russia says is the world's largest and most powerful set off on Tuesday on a two-week journey to the Arctic as part of Moscow's efforts to tap the region's commercial potential.

Known as "Arktika," the nuclear icebreaker left St Petersburg and headed for the Arctic port of Murmansk, a journey that marks its entry into Russia's icebreaker fleet.

The ship is seen as crucial to Moscow's efforts to develop the Northern Sea Route, which runs from Murmansk to the Bering Strait near Alaska.

Amid warmer climate cycles, Russia hopes the route could become a mini Suez Canal, cutting sea transport times from Asia to Europe.

"The creation of a modern nuclear icebreaker fleet capable of ensuring regular year-round and safe navigation through the entire Northern Sea Route is a strategic task for our country," Vyacheslav Ruksha, head of Rosatom's Northern Sea Route Directorate, said in a statement.

Russia has stepped up its construction of icebreakers in a bid to increase freight traffic in Arctic waters.

President Vladimir Putin said last year that the country's Arctic fleet would operate at least 13 heavy-duty icebreakers, the majority of which would be powered by nuclear reactors. Reuters

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