Russia will continue building the fleet of icebreakers – Vladimir Putin

The programme on building the fleet of icebreakers will continue in Russia, Vladimir Putin said when answering media questions following a working visit to the People’s Republic of China. According to the transcript available at the Kremlin website, the plan may be delayed for many reasons.

The President reminded: “The first stage of the Yamal LNG project is to start operating this year, and icebreakers and tankers should be ready by that time. As you have seen, the first tanker has already called at Sabetta, a new port built from scratch”.

“We have a plan to build an icebreaker fleet, including a nuclear icebreaker fleet and vessels with other modern features, and this work will continue. This plan may be delayed somewhat for many reasons, including a shortage of budget funds and the need to carry out a certain scope of work in the northern seas as the relevant projects become ready”, said the President.