Icebreaker

The Yamal is among the world's most powerful and sophisticated icebreakers and one of the few surface ships ever to have reached the North Pole. Nuclear-powered, steam turbines create a formidable 75,000 horsepower; combined with a thick armour of steel plate, Yamal is a model of icebreaker technology and more than capable of rising to the challenge of the heaviest ice. Yamal's nuclear reactors are encased in 160 tons of steel, high density concrete and water. The system's double vacuum stills produce five tons of fresh water per hour. The reactors direct steam to the two turbines, which in turn power six generators driving three massive propellers, with seven-ton blades. Yamal's high efficiency propulsion system meets or exceeds all international environmental and safety standards.