Engineers at the Baltic Shipyard, part of United Shipbuilding Corporation, have successfully started up two of the emergency diesel generators on the nuclear icebreaker Chukotka. This procedure is part of the comprehensive mooring trials the vessel has been undergoing since late last year.
The safety systems of the nuclear icebreaker Chukotka
From a technical standpoint, it is essential to understand that these 250 kW units operate autonomously in the event of any contingency at the reactor plant, under multiple conditions.
The design provides that, when the main system protections are activated, this equipment begins operating to sustain critical lighting and the ship’s essential pumps. Likewise, these engines ensure the vessel maintains basic electrical operability when the reactors are not in service.
Through this technical milestone, the Chukotka is established as the fifth vessel in a series intended to dominate the Western Arctic routes. With an overall length of more than 170 m and a power output of 60 MW, the ship is designed to withstand the most extreme conditions for decades.
Current inspections will continue over the coming months to ensure each component meets the quality standards before the anticipated open-sea trials begin.
Source and photo: Baltic Shipyard