NUCLEAR POWERED ICE BREAKER
NS YAMAL : STRONGEST SHIP
N-POWERED RUSSIAN ICE-BREAKER
SARASIJ
MAJUMDER
While I was working in “PIPAVAV SHIP YARD” in the capacity of “CHIEF OPERATING
OFFICER”—I was investigating, and bidding
in Oil & Gas Projects of
Arctic parts of North Sea. At that time, I got interested in “ICE
BREAKERS” , which would be required to service the OIL, & GAS Platforms
located there. And also, for Construction purpose.
This area is of immense Engineering interest.
I share with you the details of STRONGEST ICE BREAKER of the
world, presently owned by RUSSIA.
It is a ‘BEAST’ of a SHIP indeed!
THE STRONGEST SHIP IN THE WORLD is often considered to be
the NS Yamal, a nuclear-powered icebreaker of the Russian "Arktika"
class. This formidable vessel is designed to navigate and break through the
thickest ice in the Arctic Ocean. It is called “SHARK of the ARCTIC”
It is named after the Yamal Peninsula (Northwest Siberia).
The name's meaning is "End of the Nenets Land". Nenets (aka Samoyeds)
are indigenous people living in the arctic regions of Russia. NS Yamal was laid
down in Leningrad in 1986, but launched 6 years later - in October 1992, after
the breakup of USSR (the Soviet Union). This nuclear ship never fulfilled its
designed role - to keep the Arctic shipping route open. Instead, it has always
carried passengers on Arctic "icebreaker" cruises. In July 1994, Yamal
took an excursion to the North Pole with the National Science Foundation (NSF)
to celebrate ship's Official Maiden Voyage. While at the exact North Pole, the
cruise passengers and the crew celebrated with a barbecue at -10 degrees F
temperature (wind gusts were measured at -40 degrees F). Because of the 90/90
coordinates, the Captain (Smirnov) organized a swimming party with Mr. Will
Rountree - a US citizen. The American was recorded as the first person to ever
swim there (July 21, 1994). Water temperature was below freezing, ~30 degrees
F. Yamal played a significant role in the creation of North Pole annual cruise
travel expeditions, being one of the few ships capable to get there and bring
tourists in safety. Since 1993, the ship is operated by the Murmansk Shipping
Company (abbrev. MSCO) with operations in Arctic Russia and also in Baltic Sea
(northern Europe). During 2001-2008 period, the ship was also operated by
Poseidon Expeditions (the Arctic and Antarctica cruise operator).
Among the most serious NS Yamal ship accidents are:
- December
23, 1996 - a crew member was killed when a fire broke out on the ship. The
fire was extinguished within 30 min. The nuclear reactor was not affected.
- March
16, 2009 - the ship collided with MT Indiga (Russia-flagged product
tanker/oil tanker). The accident occurred in Kara Sea (Yenisei Gulf, the
Yenisei River's estuary). The oil tanker suffered a 9,5 m (31 ft) crack on
its main deck. No damage was reported for the ice-breaker.
The icebreaker's itinerary program offers North Pole
expedition cruises and also longer itineraries on the Northern Sea Route along
Russia's Arctic coastline. Russia's nuclear fleet of ice-breaking vessels is
used exclusively in the Arctic Ocean for escorting merchant ships and assisting
research stations floating in the ice-covered waters North of Siberia. These
ships are also used for scientific and Arctic Cruise Expeditions. The Russian nuclear ice-breakers
must sail in ice-cold waters to effectively cool their reactors.
The vessel has 1 dining room, Sauna, Library, Auditorium,
Passenger Lounge, Volleyball Court, Gymnasium, 1 swimming pool (indoor,
heated), Infirmary, 1 elevator, 1 helipad (helicopter deck) with one Mi-2
transport helicopter. The ship is also equipped with Zodiacs (large-capacity
inflatable boats) used for remote landings.
Here are some details of the ship.
DATA:--
DWT (Deadweight tonnage),Summer : 2750 tons
GROSS TONNAGE:--20,646 tonne.
Displacement tonnage: 23, 455 tons
Max Draft: 11 m (35 ft)
Icebreaking capacity: 5 m (16 ft)
Ice-class: LL1
Powerplant: 2x OK-900A nuclear reactors (each 171 MW, or
combined 342 MW power output)
Propulsion: turbo-electric, 3 shafts, 3 electric motors (17.6
MW output each, or 52,8 MW combined power output).
Icebreaking Capability: The ship is capable of continuous
operation in the extreme Arctic conditions, making it one of the most powerful
icebreakers in the world.
Durability: Built to withstand the harshest environments,
the NS Yamal is constructed with a reinforced hull and advanced navigation
systems to ensure safe passage through the treacherous Arctic waters, with
floating Ice-Bergs.
Operational Range: With its nuclear power source, the NS
Yamal can operate for extended periods without refuelling, giving it a
significant operational range and endurance. Practically unlimited (4 years
endurance).
The NS Yamal, along with other nuclear-powered icebreakers
in the Russian fleet, plays a crucial role in maintaining maritime routes in
the Arctic, supporting scientific research, and ensuring the safe passage of
ships through icy waters.
Note: In the case of poor AIS coverage, tracking the
vessel's current location will be impossible. You can see Cruise Mapper's list
of all icebreakers and ice-breaking research ships in the "itinerary"
section of Icebreakers hub.
All states and their fleets are listed there.
I May Go For
An Arctic Cruise Next Summer By This Ship!
Reference:--
https://www.coolantarctica.com/Antarctica%20fact%20file/ships/Yamal_ice_breaker.php
https://savyboat.com/shop/yamal-icebreaker/
https://www.theshipyardblog.com/icebreaker-yamal-the-shark-of-the-arctic/
IMAGE:-GOOGLE: Whoever owns the photograph, is credited.
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