FIRST PROJECT 21180 ICEBREAKER FOR RUSSIA'S NORTHERN FLEET LAID AT ADMIRALTY SHIPYARDS
ST. PETERSBURG, Russia - The first vessel in Russia's Project 21180 has been laid down at the Admiralty Shipyards in St. Petersburg.
The new icebreaker, the Ilya Muromets, was designed by the Almaz Central Design Bureau for Russia's Northern Fleet. The diesel-and electric-powered vessel is capable of breaking up ice that is 80 cm thick. The ship will support the fleet's operations and escort other vessels through the Arctic waters.
The Ilya Muromets is expected to be commissioned in 2017.
The MoD's long-term plans envision the construction of 4-7 Project 22180 vessels eventually.
The Project 21180 vessels will have a displacement of 6,000 metric tons measure 84 meters in length and 20 meters wide and carry a crew of 32. The vessels will be able to remain at sea for approximately 60 days with a range of up to 12,000 nautical miles.
Source: TASS
Associated URL:
http://tass.ru/en
Author: R. Barrett Edwards, Eurasia Analyst