The icebreaker Viktor Chernomyrdin, having completed the program of ice trials in the area of Belukha Island, headed to the Yenisei Bay of the Kara Sea to perform the mooring of the Sevmorput nuclear-powered lighter carrier of the FSUE “Atomflot” to the ice berth.

During this operation, materials were collected on the operation of the icebreaker in real conditions in addition to tests in conditions of ice polygons.

According to the plan, from the evening of May 10, the icebreaker began forming a channel in the fast ice from the moorage of the Sevmorput nuclear-powered lighter carrier to the unloading point. When laying the channel, the large length (260 m) and width (32 m) of the vessel were taken into account. The total length of the canal was more than 27 miles.

The channel was laid in severe ice and weather conditions (fast thick ice of the Yenisei Bay with the inclusion of layers and hummocks, increased snow cover, limited visibility). The thickness of the ice reached 2 m, snow cover – 1 m, wind gusts – 21 m/sec.

During the operation, the icebreaker crew showed high professionalism, as well as a responsible attitude to the Arctic wildlife, ensuring the safe passage of a family of polar bears through a newly formed channel.

On May 13, the icebreaker approached the moorage of the Sevmorput nuclear-powered lighter carrier and guided the vessel through the previously formed and expanded channel, ensured its placement to the ice berth in the fast ice, as well as the possibility of its maneuvering in the unloading area. The average speed of the icebreaker along the previously laid channel was 9 knots. Heavy ice and weather conditions persisted throughout the days of operation.

Oleg Markov, captain of the Sevmorput nuclear-powered lighter carrier, thanked the crew of the Viktor Chernomyrdin icebreaker for their work, noting the high-quality preparation of the channel in the fast ice and well-executed icebreaking assistance.