Emergency diesel generators have been started on the nuclear‑powered icebreaker “Chukotka”.

Shipbuilders of the Baltic USC Shipyard have launched two emergency 
diesel generators (ADG) on the universal nuclear icebreaker Chukotka. 
As noted in the shipyard's message dated March 4, the event took place 
as part of the mooring tests that have been taking place on the ship 
since the end of 2025.

According to Baltzavod, the nuclear icebreaker of project 22220 has three ADGs weighing 980 kg and rated at 250 kW each. 
The units start operating automatically when the emergency protection system of the reactor unit is activated and send a signal 
to start the backup diesel generators (BDGs), simultaneously ensuring the operation of the lighting system and some groups of pumps. 
The BDGs, which are part of the main power system, in turn provide the ship’s power supply when the reactors are not operating.

Mooring trials, which include checking the functionality of all systems and mechanisms mounted on the nuclear‑powered icebreaker, 
the quality of their installation, and the adjustment of the equipment, will continue for several more months. After they are completed, 
the “Chukotka” will proceed to the factory sea trials, the company adds.

It should be noted that the “Chukotka” is the fourth serial (the fifth in total) universal nuclear‑powered icebreaker of Project 22220 
(developed by the Icebreaker Central Design Bureau). The contract for the construction of the nuclear‑powered vessel was signed 
between the Federal State Unitary Enterprise “Atomflot” (part of the Rosatom State Corporation) and the Baltic Shipyard of the 
United Shipbuilding Corporation in August 2019, following an open tender. The icebreaker was laid down in December 2020 
and launched in November 2024.

Universal nuclear‑powered icebreaker of Project 22220 – reference information

Length – 173.3 m
Width – 34 m
Power at the shafts – 60 MW
Draft at the design waterline – 10.5 m
Minimum operating draft – 9.03 m
Displacement – 33.54 thousand tons
Design service life – 40 years
Crew – 54 people.

Photo: Baltic Shipyard