Russia looks to India for construction of four icebreakers

Russia wants to add four non-nuclear icebreaker ships to support a plan to make more use of the Northern Sea Route, The Economic Times reports. The government is considering a plan to have the ships built in India because of sanctions imposed by the U.S. over Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

• Russia aims to transport at least 150 million tonnes of cargo annually by 2030, which would require more than  50 icebreakers and ice-class vessels. To achieve that goal, Russia and India may ship oil, coal and liquid nitrogen gas to Indian ports via the Northern Sea Route.
• The two countries are also exploring the option of building and repairing Russian ships in India, and the possibility of training Indian seafarers in Polar water.
• Russia has visited Indian shipyards to assess their capabilities and is offering India further shipbuilding opportunities if the Asian country constructs the icebreakers. India is supporting its yards, but concerns remain over the type of steel and engine supply needed for the icebreakers.