The Chukotka, a 173-meter long nuclear-powered icebreaker, was ceremonially launched at the Baltic Shipyard, with Russian President Vladimir Putin emphasizing through a video link the importance of building a strong domestic icebreaker fleet to enhance Arctic development and increase cargo traffic on the Northern Sea Route. He highlighted the need for improved navigation safety and infrastructure in the Arctic. The first three of Russia's Project 22220 Chukotka’s sister vessels are already operating on the Northern Sea Route.
