Russia's 50 Let Pobedy (50 Years of Victory) nuclear icebreaker sustained damage to its hull while breaking ice in the Kara Sea, the Federal State Unitary Enterprise Atomflot said.
The press service of the enterprise reported that the incident occurred on January 26. There were no casualties.
The Arctic Observer publication was the first to report the incident. According to its sources, the icebreaker collided with a dry cargo ship, presumably the Yamal Krechet, which it was escorting through the ice.
Icebreaking refers to the process of freeing a ship stuck in ice. To free the ship, the icebreaker passes multiple times along the leeward side of the vessel. It can also involve cutting ice around the ship's hull to prevent deformation.
The press service of Atomflot added that the icebreaker's seaworthiness remained intact, and there was no threat either to its life support systems or reactor installation.
"The nuclear icebreaker continues to operate in the waters of the Northern Sea Route as usual," Atomflot said.
The Russian icebreaking fleet is one of the most powerful in the world, playing a crucial role in maintaining navigation in the Arctic and along the Northern Sea Route. It is primarily operated by Atomflot, a state-owned enterprise, and includes both nuclear-powered and diesel-electric icebreakers. Key vessels include the Arktika-class nuclear icebreakers, such as 50 Let Pobedy and the newer Arktika, which are designed to break through thick Arctic ice. Russia is also expanding its fleet with next-generation icebreakers like the Project 22220 (e.g., Sibir and Ural), which feature advanced technology and dual-draft capabilities. These icebreakers support commercial shipping, scientific research, and Russia's strategic interests in the Arctic, ensuring year-round access to remote regions and resource-rich areas.