The significance of the Russian nuclear icebreaker Ural extends beyond technical feats. It symbolizes Russia’s Arctic strategy amid global competition.
The Russian nuclear icebreaker Ural stands as a pinnacle of modern maritime engineering and Moscow’s quest for strategic dominance in the Arctic region. As part of the ambitious Project 22220, also known as the Arktika-class, the Ural is one of the world’s largest and most powerful nuclear-powered icebreakers.
Russia Dominates the Northern Sea Route (NSR)
Designed to conquer the frozen expanses of the Northern Sea Route (NSR)—Russia’s attempt to create an alternative maritime corridor to the Suez Canal—this vessel plays a crucial role in facilitating year-round shipping, resource exploration, and geopolitical influence in the High North.
The Ural’s dual-draft design enhances its versatility, enabling it to escort ships through ice-choked waters, tow disabled vessels, and even perform research tasks. In the broader context of Project 22220, which includes four active ships of 2025—Arktika, Sibir, Ural, and Yakutia—and three under construction, the Ural bolsters Russia’s fleet of seven planned icebreakers.
This expansion is vital for the NSR, a 3,107-mile route that cuts shipping times between Europe and Asia by up to 40 percent, potentially handling 80 million tons of cargo annually by 2024.
The Ural is the latest example of how Russia is revitalizing its icebreaker fleet to secure economic and military advantages over their American—and Chinese—competitors.
The Construction of the Ural
Ural’s history traces back to the late 1980s, amid the Soviet Union’s efforts to modernize its aging Arktika-class icebreakers. Following the dissolution of the USSR, Russia initiated a fleet renewal program, culminating in the LK-60Ya design finalized in 2009 by the Central Design Bureau.
The Ural, the third vessel in the Project 22220 series and the second serial ship, was ordered on March 13, 2012, as part of a contract awarded to the Baltic Shipyard in Saint Petersburg for two additional icebreakers valued at 84.4 billion rubles. Construction commenced with the keel-laying ceremony in 2016, marking a significant milestone in Russia’s nuclear shipbuilding resurgence. The ship was launched in 2019, sponsored by Elvira Nabiullina, the Governor of the Bank of Russia. The project faced setbacks, however, including delays from steam turbine issues and a minor fire in February 2021 during outfitting. Sea trials began on October 14, 2022 and were completed in record time by October 31, leading to the Ural’s officially commissioning on November 22, 2022.
Built entirely at the Baltic Shipyard, the Ural’s construction incorporated innovative design features, such as installing its RITM-200 nuclear reactors directly on the slipway—a departure from previous vessels. This approach streamlined assembly but required meticulous engineering to handle the vessel’s immense scale. The icebreaker’s hull reached the ice belt level by February 2019, showcasing the yard’s expertise in handling nuclear components.
Despite challenges, the Ural’s delivery underscored Russia’s commitment to self-reliant shipbuilding, with all key technologies developed domestically.
The Project 22220 Icebreaker’s Specifications
- Year Introduced: 2020
- Number Built: 4 (7 projected in class)
- Length: 57 ft (17.4 m)
- Beam (Width): 112 ft (34 m)
- Displacement: 33,327 tonnes (full load)
- Engines: Two RITM-200 pressurized water reactors; nuclear turbo-electric system (60 MW); three propellor shafts
- Top Speed: 22 knots (25 mph, 41 km/h) in open water; ~2 knots (2.3 mph, 3.7 km/h) through ice
- Range: Unlimited
- Armaments: None
- Crew: 75
The Ural can reportedly handle up to four meters of ice in winter conditions. It has aviation facilities, including a helideck and hangar, and endurance of seven years on reactor fuel (or six months on provisions).
The massive icebreaker is built for Arctic missions over a projected 40-year service life. Its variable draft system ranges from 28 to 34 feet, allowing seamless transitions between deep-sea operations along the NSR and shallow Arctic River estuaries like the Yenisey.
The Ural’s Service History
Operationally, the Ural is managed by FSUE Atomflot and based in Murmansk, Russia’s primary Arctic port. Its inaugural working voyage departed on December 2, 2022, to the Kara Sea, where it supported cargo convoys and demonstrated its icebreaking prowess. After the season, it underwent repairs at the Kronstadt Marine Plant, completed by late October 2023, highlighting the logistical challenges of maintaining such massive vessels.
Nevertheless, the Russians remain steadfastly committed to dominating the Arctic—and have sourced this mission far more than the Americans have. Indeed, the United States lacks nuclear-powered icebreakers, and only a handful of conventionally-powered ones, placing it far behind the Russians in the race for the Arctic.
The significance of the Russian nuclear icebreaker Ural extends beyond technical feats. It symbolizes Russia’s Arctic strategy amid global competition. As climate change opens new sea lanes, the Ural facilitates hydrocarbon extraction, mineral mining, and trade, contributing billions to the Russian economy. Strategically, it strengthens Russia’s claim over Arctic territories, countering perceived threats from NATO nations and even China.
About the Author: Brandon J. Weichert
Brandon J. Weichert is a senior national security editor at The National Interest. Recently, Weichert became the host of The National Security Hour on America Outloud News and iHeartRadio, where he discusses national security policy every Wednesday at 8pm Eastern. He is also a contributor at Popular Mechanics and has consulted regularly with various government institutions and private organizations on geopolitical issues. Weichert’s writings have appeared in multiple publications, including The Washington Times, National Review, The American Spectator, MSN, The Asia Times, and others. His books include Winning Space: How America Remains a Superpower, Biohacked: China’s Race to Control Life, and The Shadow War: Iran’s Quest for Supremacy. His newest book, A Disaster of Our Own Making: How the West Lost Ukraine is available for purchase wherever books are sold. He can be followed via Twitter @WeTheBrandon.
Image: Shutterstock / maks_ph.
