Russia launches new nuclear-powered icebreaker in bid to open up Arctic

Russia is overhauling ports as it readies for more traffic via Northern Sea Route due to warmer climate cycles

Russia launched a nuclear-powered icebreaker on Saturday, part of an ambitious programme to renew and expand its fleet of the vessels in order to improve its ability to tap the Arctic’s commercial potential.

The ship, dubbed the Ural and which was floated out from a dockyard in St Petersburg, is one of a trio that when completed will be the largest and most powerful icebreakers in the world.

Continue reading...

from The Guardian http://bit.ly/2VMEujf