The state contract for the large-scale project to build the nuclear icebreaker Russia, part of the Leader class (project 10510), has drawn attention to potential changes in cost and schedule. The vessel, already highlighted as a flagship element of Russia’s Arctic fleet, was initially scheduled for completion in 2022. Recent discussions reported by Kommersant suggest that the cost could rise by 40 to 60 percent and that delivery timelines may extend if current supply disruptions persist. These remarks reference notes from a March 13 meeting involving Viktor Yevtukhov, the deputy head of the Ministry of Industry and Trade, and other officials, and they point to ongoing evaluation of project parameters as conditions evolve.
According to the newspaper, the question of whether delaying deadlines is necessary was brought to the attention of President Vladimir Putin during the same period. A spokesperson for the Ministry of Industry and Trade confirmed that timing and cost considerations were on the agenda of the meeting, while emphasizing that any conclusions about extended timelines or higher costs would rely on the results of inspections and verified data from suppliers and contractors.
The minutes indicate that Rosneft attributed the potential cost increase and schedule adjustments to interruptions in the supply chain for critical castings and components. Specifically mentioned were the ice tooth, rudder blade brackets, and external propeller shaft brackets. The Energomashspetsstal facility in Kramatorsk faces damage related to ongoing hostilities, and a new supplier has not yet been formalized. As a result, the delivery of key castings has been postponed, with current expectations suggesting a shift in availability to August 2025.
Additionally, Kommersant reports that the projected price tag for the nuclear power plant equipment associated with the icebreaker could grow by as much as 12 percent, potentially reaching 44 billion rubles. This uptick in costs is linked to the broader supply chain challenges that affect the readiness of critical reactor components and propulsion systems. The timing of these deliveries, if delayed, could influence the formation of the hull sections, particularly the engine rooms, and would necessitate revisions to the overall construction schedule for the Rossiya icebreaker.
Experts quoted in the material note that the Zvezda shipyard, responsible for assembling the vessel, may be experiencing slower progress than planned. By mid-March, reported progress stood at roughly 5 percent of the total work, versus an anticipated 15 percent at that stage. In this context, discussions have also touched on the possibility of engaging shipyards in other regions to supplement domestic capacity, with reports indicating exploration of cooperation with yards in China and Turkey to support icebreaker construction within Russia. Such strategic considerations reflect a broader effort to ensure continuity of critical Arctic projects amid supply chain and geopolitical uncertainties, while preserving timelines that meet strategic national objectives.
The overall situation underscores the tight coordination required among Russian state bodies, the design bureau, construction yards, and suppliers when handling complex, capital-intensive projects in challenging environments. It also highlights the balance between maintaining aggressive modernization goals and adapting to real-world constraints that affect materials, logistics, and production capacity. As authorities review inspection results and negotiate terms with manufacturers, the lead ship Russia remains a focal point of national capability in the Arctic fleet, with the ongoing dialogue likely shaping decisions on how to proceed with the Leader program in the near term.