The History of Explorations of the Arctic Region: the Nuclear-Powered Icebreaker Lenin

Abstract

The nuclear-powered icebreaker Lenin contributed greatly to the exploration of the arctic regions of the USSR. In the 1950s, the national economy of the USSR made a successful recovery. Jobs related to the development of northern and arctic territories were resumed. For the Soviet Union, expanding exploration of the country’s arctic regions was a top priority. It was presented before research scientists and polar explorers by the country’s highest leaders. Voyages in the Arctic were limited by a short period of navigation due to the thick layer of ice. The movement of vessels in the arctic regions was often impeded by ice, affecting navigation and communication with areas of the arctic and subarctic belts. During this time, powerful icebreakers would come to the aid of the ships. They helped pass communication along the Northern Sea Route from the west to the east of the Soviet Union. The 20th Congress of the CPSU (Communist Party of the Soviet Union) directed the public at working on creating nuclear installations for transportation purposes. The industrial expansion, which could be seen in the growth of the national economy in the arctic and northern territories of the USSR, required the creation of a powerful fleet of icebreakers for escorting caravans of ships and providing navigation along the Northern Sea Route. In this case, the stakes were placed on icebreaking vessels. These were ships which could independently remain in the arctic territories for quite a long time without refueling or ports of call. At the beginning of the design process of the nuclear-powered ship Lenin, the Soviet Union had previous experience in constructing icebreakers and nuclear installations. Thanks to the joint work of scientists, engineers, and technicians came a ship which confirmed the high specifications. It was successfully used in the most difficult conditions of navigation at arctic latitudes.