Billions of Rubles Extra: Construction of the "Vladimir Vorobyov" Vessel for Loading Nuclear Fuel into Icebreaker Reactors Becomes More Expensive

The cost of constructing the multifunctional atomic-technological service vessel (MSATO) "Vladimir Vorobyov" (Project 22770) has increased to 52.6 billion rubles. This is confirmed by Russian Government Decree No. 267-r of 07.02.2023.

Initially, investments in the project were estimated at 24.8 billion rubles. Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin supported the changes. This was stated by a representative of FSUE "Atomflot" (part of the Rosatom State Corporation).

The Russian Ministry of Industry and Trade previously reported that the financing for the construction of the "Vladimir Vorobyov" is planned according to a 50% (budget funds) to 50% (Rosatom funds) scheme.

MSATO "Vladimir Vorobyov"

Project 22770 was developed by specialists from the Iceberg Central Design Bureau. The vessel is designed for unloading spent nuclear fuel and loading fresh fuel into the reactor plants of Project 22220 and 10510 icebreakers. Currently, these operations are performed by the "Imandra" floating technical base, commissioned in 1980.

Characteristics of Project 22770 MSATO:

• Length — 158.8 m
• Width — 26 m
• Draft — 7.5 m
• Main power plant output — 9.29 MW
• Displacement — 22,661 t
• Speed — 12 knots
• Ice class — Arc5