First icebreaker for the Russian Navy in 45 years

In June the Admiralty Shipyards in Saint-Petersburg launched Ilya Muromets — the first icebreaker built for the Russian Navy in 45 years. 

This Project 21180 diesel-electric icebreaker developed by the Vympel Design Bureau is a single-deck multipurpose vessel with the installed power of 7 MW. Its main task is deployment support of naval fleet in ice conditions, as well as ice routing of ships and vessels and their tugging. 

The Ilya Muromets was laid down on April 23, 2015. It is scheduled for commissioning by the Russian Navy Arctic Forces in 2017. 

Apart from its main task, the Ilya Muromets will do firefighting, provide oil-spill response, deliver container cargoes, and perform hydrographic, oceanographic and hydrometeorological researches in the Arctic. The helideck provides a short-term landing for one helicopter. 

The vessel has got 360 degree double-propeller steerable thrusters mounted outside the hull. Along with the bow steering aid, they provide the Ilya Muromets with high maneuverability particularly appreciated in ice conditions.
With the displacement of 6 thousand tons, a Project 21180 icebreaker is capable of getting through 0.9-meter solid one-year-old ice and ramming up to 1.5 meters of ice.