The main diesel generators for the scientific expedition vessel "Ivan Frolov" have arrived at "Admiralteyskie Verfi". The delivery of equipment for the world's largest research icebreaker was provided by the "Baltic" group of companies under a state contract.
The energy heart of the future vessel – six diesel generators with a total capacity of 22 megawatts – will be part of a single electric propulsion complex. Four units will deliver 4 MW each, and two more will deliver 3 MW each. This solution will allow the Arc7 ice-class vessel to operate confidently in the extreme conditions of polar latitudes, where reliable power supply directly affects crew safety and the quality of scientific data.
The construction of the "Ivan Frolov" is being carried out according to the project of Nevskoe PKB for Roshydromet. Metal cutting began in December 2023, and the keel-laying took place in autumn 2024. Currently, the hull of the future research vessel is being formed on the slipway.
"Ivan Frolov" is being created for the implementation of the Russian Antarctic program. It will house up to twenty laboratories, a hangar for two helicopters, and a universal platform capable of accommodating Mi-8, Mi-38, or Ka-32 type aircraft. The vessel, 165 meters long and with a displacement of about 25 thousand tons, will be able to conduct dozens of studies simultaneously – from ocean floor research to upper atmosphere monitoring. The crew and scientific group will number up to 240 people.
