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Modern multipurpose vessels of the Vitus Bering series will conduct year-round deliveries of personnel, goods and expendable supplies to oil production platforms. In particular, it is planned to use this type of icebreakers to ensure the smooth operation of Sakhalin-1oil platforms at the Arkutun-Dagi field in the Sea of Okhotsk.

The lead ship of the series was named after Vitus Bering, an explorer and officer in the Russian Navy.

The President witnessed the signing of a master cooperation agreement between Sovkomflot and United Shipbuilding Corporation to build supply vessels of this class and an agreement between Gazprom and Novatek to create a joint venture to produce LNG on the Yamal Peninsula.

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Speech at the naming ceremony for Vitus Bering icebreaker

President of Russia Vladimir Putin: Good afternoon, friends,

It gives me great pleasure to be present at the naming ceremony for the Vitus Bering icebreaker, a new vessel in the Russian merchant fleet.

It is noteworthy that the vessel will operate in the Far East, where Vitus Bering and his crew explored the northern latitudes and the vast expanses of the Pacific Ocean as they carried out the plans of Peter the Great.

This is one of the most advanced ships in the world. Today Russia has the world’s largest nuclear-powered icebreaker fleet and we will continue our efforts to develop the full range of special vessels, including those working in such harsh conditions as the ones this ship will operate in.

I want to reiterate that this is one of the most advanced ships in the world, capable of operating in the ice up to 1.7 metres thick. It was built by Russian shipbuilders jointly with Finnish partners, and I want to express my gratitude to our Finnish colleagues.

It is significant that 90% of the work was done by Russian companies. We must continue with the same momentum in the future. I repeat, we have every chance to successfully develop the entire range of special, highly advanced vessels.

I sincerely wish the crew every success and congratulate you on this momentous event.

All the best. Thank you for your attention.