Moscow - Saba:
Russian President Vladimir Putin said on Sunday that strengthening the nuclear icebreaker fleet is a priority for Russia to ensure year-round navigation through the Arctic and the Northern Sea Route.
On the occasion of Shipbuilders' Day, Putin said, according to Sputnik, "Dear friends! I congratulate you on Shipbuilding Day... The shipbuilding sector today faces large-scale and urgent tasks, including modernizing and deploying existing production capacities, developing and mastering competitive technologies, deepening international cooperation, and training qualified personnel."
He continued, "Resolving these tasks is crucial for ensuring the security of Russia's maritime borders and the comprehensive and balanced development of the fleet."
The Russian President noted that a particular priority is increasing the number of nuclear-powered icebreakers required for year-round navigation along the Trans-Arctic Transport Corridor and the Northern Sea Route. He expects the United Shipbuilding Corporation, along with other companies and institutions, to make a significant contribution to this massive, systematic effort.
Putin emphasized that the development of the shipbuilding industry has had a significant impact on Russia's development as a naval power and has opened up vast opportunities for enhancing its economic, industrial, defense, and scientific potential. The names and achievements of outstanding domestic shipbuilders have been forever etched in the country's history.
He added, "True and experienced professionals have always worked in design bureaus and shipyards from Kaliningrad to Vladivostok, creating warships and civilian vessels for various purposes: cargo, passenger, fishing, and research."
Previously, Russian President Vladimir Putin ordered the construction of two world-class nuclear-powered icebreakers to begin by 2026.
On March 27, Russian President Vladimir Putin declared that Russia's Northern Fleet is the strongest, noting that Murmansk plays a crucial role in the development of the Arctic as a whole.
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