The International Arctic forum «Arctic — territory of dialogue» that was held on March 29-30 in Arkhangelsk became one of the main events making headlines. Due to participation of the Presidents of Russia, Finland and Iceland as well as of numerous honored officials from Russia and other countries and prominent scientists and businessmen, the Forum appeared to be a distinguished platform for extensive discussions of various issues related to the Arctic: from political and social to ecological and engineering.
In his address given at the session «The Arctic — territory of cutting-edge technology» Deputy Minister of Industry and Trade of the Russian Federation Vasily Osmakov highlighted the most important factors of the Far North industrial development and high-priority projects related to the continental shelf. He said that Russia should use its arctic area as a global competitive advantage and apply in this region the most efficient and cost-effective solutions and technologies. One of these solutions consists in the extension of navigation along the Northern Sea Route. For this purpose, three 60 MW nuclear icebreakers are presently being constructed. Moreover, the designing of the most powerful 120 MW nuclear-powered icebreaker-leader has been started.
Models of icebreaker «Leader» designed by KSRC division were presented at Forum’s exhibition area at the booths of Saint Petersburg and JSC United Shipbuilding Corporation. KSRC Director General Vladimir Nikitin noted that there are many other projects of ice-class ships and marine facilities under development.
Vladimir Nikitin, who took part in the Forum «Arctic — territory of dialogue», called it the most important event for the Arctic-related developments in our country. «The present Forum», he stressed, «is the most representative one that was ever held. It is attended by the officials as well as highly competent specialists. They make specific proposals and announce the actual plans of future exploration and development of the Arctic shelf. The shipbuilding industry and science have been involved in these efforts for a long time already. We gained a significant experience in designing and engineering for real ships and marine facilities of the Arctic class and attracted highly professional staff. If it comes to reduction of the state orders by 2020, we would be ready to make active use of our intellectual and technological capabilities to solve the problems related to the development of Russia’s Arctic zone.»