Заложен новый флагман: «Иван Фролов» усилит российские позиции в полярных регионах

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 carried out annually, which help to track climate changes, collect data for navigation of the Northern Sea Route and clarify the boundaries of the Russian continental shelf. The new flagship "Ivan Frolov" will strengthen Russia's position in the polar regions.

The keel-laying ceremony for the Project 23680 vessel for Roshydromet took place at the Admiralty Shipyards on October 29. Acting General Director of JSC "Admiralty Shipyards" Andrey Bystrov noted that this complex project will provide workload for the plant for the next five years, and expressed hope for new orders from Roshydromet.

The R/V "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 facilities for working with Ka-32 and Mi-8/Mi-38 helicopters.

The main technological feature of the vessel is electric propulsion. It will be equipped with diesel generators and azimuth thrusters 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 unprepared 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 planned for January-February 2029. The vessel will combine the functions of a scientific, passenger, icebreaking, dry cargo ship and container ship, which will allow conducting research in various conditions - from the stratosphere to the ocean floor. Construction is scheduled for completion in 2028.