New Flagship Laid Down: "Ivan Frolov" to Strengthen Russia's Position in Polar Regions

The study of the Arctic and Antarctic is a key area for the Federal Service for Hydrometeorology and Environmental Monitoring.

Deputy Prime Minister Dmitry Patrushev announced this at the ceremony of laying down the new research and expedition vessel "Ivan Frolov" in St. Petersburg. He noted that more than 20 expeditions are conducted annually, which help to track climate change, collect data for navigation of the Northern Sea Route and clarify the boundaries of the continental shelf of Russia. The new flagship "Ivan Frolov" will strengthen Russia's position in the polar regions.

On October 29, the laying of the vessel of project 23680 for Roshydromet took place at the "Admiralty Shipyards". Acting General Director of JSC "Admiralty Shipyards" Andrei Bystrov noted that this complex project will ensure the plant's workload for the next five years, and expressed hope for new orders from Roshydromet.

The NES "Ivan Frolov" will become the fourth unit of the AARI research and expedition fleet and will be used for marine research, personnel replacement and support of polar stations. The vessel, almost 165 meters long and with a displacement of about 25,000 tons, is designed to accommodate 240 people, including 70 crew members and up to 170 scientists. Up to 20 laboratories for various studies can be accommodated on board, as well as helicopter complexes for working with helicopters of the Ka-32 and Mi-8/Mi-38 types.

The main technological feature of the vessel is electric propulsion. It will be equipped with diesel generators and rudder propellers with electric motors, which will provide a power of 16 MW and compliance with the Arc7 ice class. The vessel will be able to carry out unloading on undeveloped shores and transport cargo of up to 2.5 thousand tons, which will significantly increase the accessibility of polar stations.

The contract for the construction of "Ivan Frolov" was concluded in March 2023. The first expedition is scheduled for January-February 2029. The vessel will combine the functions of scientific, passenger, icebreaking, dry cargo ships and container ships, which will allow conducting research in various conditions - from the stratosphere to the ocean floor. The completion of construction is scheduled for 2028.