On April 5, 2016 two icebreakers of FSUE “Rosmorport” Vladivostok and Murmansk left the seaport Greater port of Saint Petersburg and headed for the Kara sea to conduct ice trials.

The icebreakers will call at the seaport of Murmansk en route. Passage from Saint Petersburg to Murmansk will take about 8 or 10 days, then the icebreakers will head to the water area of the Western sector of the Arctic Region, where ice passability of vessels, operation of engines, machinery and equipment will be tested in various navigation conditions.

Vladivostok and Murmansk icebreakers have improved characteristics, taking into account the operation experience of vessels of previous projects. Their main purpose is independent escort, towage, fire fighting on floating objects and other facilities, assistance to vessels in distress, transportation of payload.  Vessels can navigate in ice up to 1,5 meters thick and will be operated in the Baltic, White and other freezing seas and on Arctic routes.

Both icebreakers are expected to return to Saint Petersburg after completion the full complex of ice trials.

For reference: