Four multi-purpose vessels to be built for Arctic research

In 2010, it is planned to build four multi-purpose ice-class tug-boats for Arctic research, Dmitri Dmitrienko, deputy Head of Federal Agency of Marine and River Transport has announced today, September 24, at  international conference ”International Euro-Asian cooperation to develop the economic activity and transport in Arctic and Regions within permanent or seasonal ice conditions”. According to Dmitrienko, new 60 MWt sea-and-river going icebreaker is under development today. A number of icebreakers operating at the Northern sea route are to go through modernization. Besides, it is planned to build a 25MWt diesel icebreaker for Arctic development. Dmitrienko also noted that financing of Arctic research is provisioned in three state programs: "Modernization of Transport Complex", "Transport Development" and specific financing of icebreaker component.