The U.S. administration considered involving Russian nuclear icebreakers to support gas and LNG projects in Alaska, three sources familiar with the situation told Reuters. The discussions took place ahead of the meeting between U.S. President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin, which took place on August 15, 2025, in Alaska.
Sources indicated that the idea of using Russian icebreakers was discussed in the White House as a potential deal to develop gas projects. Russia has a unique fleet of nuclear icebreakers that provide navigation in Arctic conditions. These vessels could support projects in Alaska, including the delivery of materials to regions with limited infrastructure. Among the projects under consideration are Alaska LNG, worth $44 billion, and Qilak LNG, designed to export 4 million tons of liquefied natural gas annually.
Representatives of Qilak LNG clarified that their project did not request the support of Russian icebreakers, but in general, the use of foreign vessels is possible. Alaska LNG also reported that their project does not require the participation of Russian icebreakers. Details of a possible agreement remain unclear, as the specific project that could use icebreakers has not been named.
Russia actively uses its icebreakers for navigation along the Northern Sea Route, making their fleet an important resource for Arctic projects.
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