Prospects for using nuclear power systems in commercial ships in northern Russia

The experience gained over many years of operating nuclear-powered ice breakers in conquering the northern sea route is described. The conditions which must be met for year-round navigation of cargo ships in the Arctic are presented. For such navigation to be realistic, it must be profitable and Russian national interests in the region must be protected in accordance with the Maritime Policy of the Russian Federation for the period up to 2020. Information is also given concerning the technical status of operating nuclear-powered ice breakers and the characteristics of ice breakers and new-generation nuclear power systems.