The Russian government has amended the comprehensive state program "Construction," shifting the commissioning date of the fourth serial universal nuclear icebreaker of Project 22220 "Chukotka" to 2027. The corresponding order was signed on June 2, 2026.
The icebreaker is being built at the Baltic Shipyard (part of OSK) by order of Rosatom. The vessel was laid down on December 16, 2020, and launched on November 6, 2024 – President Vladimir Putin participated in the ceremony. Initially, it was reported that "Chukotka" would be delivered in December 2026.
In May 2026, Rosatom stated that work on "Chukotka" and the next icebreaker "Leningrad" was ahead of schedule. According to the state corporation, the readiness of "Chukotka" reached 85.5% against the planned 85.1%, and "Leningrad" was built to 31.45% instead of 30.05%. By the end of May, nuclear fuel loading was promised to begin on board "Chukotka" – an important stage before testing the reactor plant.
Project 22220 icebreakers are designed for year-round navigation in the western Arctic region. The lead icebreaker of the series, "Arktika," was launched in 2016, followed by "Sibir," "Ural," and "Yakutia." "Chukotka" was supposed to be the fourth serial vessel. The reasons for the postponement were not specified in official documents.
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