Russia Announces Nearly Impossible Plan To Build Nuclear Submarines For Gas Exports
Russia has announced an ambitious plan to build nuclear-powered submarines that will transport liquefied natural gas (LNG) from the Arctic to Asia, slashing travel time on the Northern Sea Route.
By using nuclear-powered submarines, Russia aims to cut the journey from 20 days to just 12, positioning the Northern Sea Route as a faster alternative to the Suez Canal.
These submarines are designed to navigate the harsh Arctic conditions without needing icebreaker support, a necessity for current gas carriers that rely heavily on such vessels.
The submarine project is a bold solution to overcome vessel shortages and challenges in navigating thick Arctic ice, which have plagued Russia's Arctic LNG 2 project.
The submarines will be approximately 360 meters long and 70 meters wide, powered by advanced RITM-200 nuclear reactors, the same technology used in Russia's latest icebreakers.
Despite the ambitious design and potential for transporting 180,000 tons of LNG, many experts question the feasibility of the project, with concerns over Russia's capability to execute it effectively.
Former Russian Navy officer and nuclear scientist Alexander Nikitin has expressed skepticism, calling the project a “bluff,” pointing to the need for additional resources like specialized docks and trained crews.
If successful, this nuclear submarine project could revolutionize Arctic LNG transport, but significant doubts remain about whether Russia can bring this futuristic vision to life.