The machine-building plant "ZiO-Podolsk" has completed the manufacture of the second RITM-200 reactor for the universal nuclear icebreaker "Leningrad," Rosatom announced. The first unit was manufactured back in May, and now the entire set of equipment for the reactor compartment of the future nuclear-powered vessel is ready. Alexey Likhachev, head of the state corporation, noted that the construction of this icebreaker is of particular importance. The vessel was named after the hero city at the initiative of veterans and blockade survivors.
The two reactors were named "Iskra" (Spark) and "Grom" (Thunder) – in honor of the Red Army operations to break and completely lift the Siege of Leningrad in 1943–1944. The decision to assign these names was made in consultation with veterans. Last year, Rosatom revived the tradition of naming reactor units: for the icebreaker "Rossiya," the reactors were named "Ilya" and "Dobrynya." The new RITM-200 reactors will operate on the "Leningrad" for at least 40 years, ensuring year-round navigation along the Northern Sea Route.
The Project 22220 icebreaker "Leningrad" was laid down in January 2024 at the Baltic Shipyard in St. Petersburg. Currently, 13 reactor vessels for icebreakers and small nuclear power plants are at various stages of manufacturing. The state corporation called this figure a record for the entire history of the domestic nuclear industry.
Read more on the topic:
- Second RITM-200 Reactor for the Icebreaker "Leningrad" is Ready
- Import substitution has entered thin ice: two Project 22220 icebreakers have become more expensive in the docks
- Nuclear icebreaker "Rossiya" to receive valves for turbine units from Kirov-Energomash plant