The Russian Navy commissioned the Project 21180 icebreaker ‘Ilya Muromets’ in a ceremony at the Admiralty Shipyards on November 30.
Though it is likely to remain the only vessel in its class due to high construction costs, Ilya Muromets is the first icebreaker built for the navy in 40 years.
The vessel started construction on April 23, 2015 and was launched on June 10, 2016. It was commissioned into the Russian Navy’s Northern Fleet where it will be used to support the activities of the Arctic Group of the Russian Navy.
In addition to ice-breaking activities, the vessel is capable of carrying out hydrographic and hydrometeorological research.
Ilya Muromets is 85 meters long and 20 meters wide with a draft of 6.8 meters. It displaces 6000 tons and is crewed by 39 people. According to the shipbuilder, the icebreaker can stay at sea for two months.