The main diesel generators have been delivered to the research expedition vessel “Ivan Frolov”.

The main diesel generators for the Ivan Frolov scientific expedition vessel (NES), 
which is being built by order of the Russian Hydrometeorological Service, 
have been delivered to the USC Admiralty shipyards. This was announced 
on April 28 at the Arctic and Antarctic Research Institute (AARI).

According to the AIA, the Ivan Frolov NPP will become the largest expedition vessel in the world. To carry out 
tasks in harsh climatic conditions, the vessel will be equipped with four diesel generators with a capacity of 4 MW 
and two diesel generators with a capacity of 2 MW, which will become part of a single electric propulsion complex. 
In accordance with the state contract, the supply of the main diesel generators is provided by the Baltic group of companies.

“The main diesel generator is the heart of the Ivan Frolov NPS.” “The precise delivery of this key component for the world’s 
largest scientific expedition vessel, which has an ice class of Arc7, confirms our readiness to provide strategic Arctic projects with 
reliable energy,” said Vasily Semyonov, CEO of the Baltic group of companies.

“Installing the main engine is an important production stage in the construction of the vessel. We are consistently moving towards 
completing the creation of the NESS “Ivan Frolov” in 2028.” Each successfully completed step, especially the timely delivery of the main 
power unit, confirms that the project is being implemented on schedule," commented Alexander Makarov, Director of AIA.

The state contract for the construction of the Ivan Frolov NPP was signed between the Admiralty Shipyards of USC and Roshydromet in March 2023. 
Metal cutting for the Ivan Frolov vessel started in December 2023. The laying of the vessel took place on October 29, 2024. The vessel is being built 
under the factory number 02500 for the AIA according to the project of the Nevsky Design Bureau of the USC. The corps of the future NES 
is currently being formed.

The Ivan Frolov NPP is designed to fulfill the Antarctic program of the Russian Federation. The vessel will allow conducting scientific research on 
modular type programs of any complexity by different scientific teams. At the same time, dozens of scientific projects will be carried out on board, 
from ocean floor research to the upper atmosphere and space, depending on the need and priority of research in the polar latitudes. 
The vessel will accommodate up to 20 laboratories, as well as a hangar for 2 helicopters and a platform capable of accommodating 
Mi‑8, Mi‑38, or Ka‑32 helicopters.

Research and expedition vessel of project 23680 “Ivan Frolov” – information

Class: RS – KM (*) Arc7 (hull, machinery) [1] AUT1-C EPP ECO BWM (T) HELIDECK-H DE-Tier III Special purpose ship

The maximum length is 164.8 m.
The maximum width is 26 m.
Side height – 13.5 m
Draft – 8.5 m
Displacement – approx. 25,000 tons
The crew and special staff – 240 people.
Deadweight – approx. 9200 tons

Illustration: Admiralty Shipyards