Russia’s state nuclear energy corporation, Rosatom, has commenced the assembly of the RITM-200 reactor vessel. This development increases the number of RITM reactor units currently in production to eight, a record-breaking figure. The reactors are being manufactured at the ZIO-Podolsk plant, a key facility within Rosatom’s machine-building division.
The newly assembled RITM-200 unit is designated for the next-generation universal nuclear icebreaker, Leningrad. The keel-laying ceremony for Leningrad took place in 2024 with the participation of Russian President Vladimir Putin. The ZIO-Podolsk plant has already produced ten RITM-200 reactor vessels for Russia’s existing icebreaker fleet.
The RITM-200 reactors have demonstrated their reliability and efficiency by powering nuclear icebreakers operating under extreme Arctic conditions. Existing icebreakers such as Arktika, Sibir, and Ural are already equipped with these reactors, with each vessel housing two units. These icebreakers are integral to Russia’s strategic initiative to develop the Northern Sea Route (NSR), a critical shipping lane along its northern coastline.
In late 2024, the flag-raising ceremony for the Yakutia icebreaker took place, while another vessel, Chukotka, remains under construction alongside the Leningrad. These icebreakers belong to Project 22220, which aims to enhance navigation capabilities in the Arctic.
Rosatom, as the NSR’s infrastructure operator, is also responsible for implementing the federal project “Development of the Northern Sea Route.” The NSR significantly reduces transit times for cargo transportation between northern Europe and Asia, enhancing global trade efficiency. According to Rosatom, 37.9 million tons of cargo were transported via the NSR in 2024, with 92 transit voyages recorded.
Maxim Tyukavkin, Deputy Head of Rosatom’s Mechanical Engineering Division, highlighted the importance of this initiative, stating, “The Mechanical Engineering Division of Rosatom has launched the mass production of RITM-200 reactor units. Our successful history of manufacturing and operating the cutting-edge RITM reactor units provides a solid basis for reaching the goals of the Northern Sea Route development and SMR technology promotion.”
Rosatom describes the RITM-200 as one of the most advanced reactor units globally, featuring superior efficiency and compact design. Compared to Soviet-era reactors, the RITM-200 is 50% lighter, 1.5 times more powerful, and occupies 1.5 times less space.
Rosatom oversees the entire production chain for propulsion nuclear reactors, from design to manufacturing and installation. The reactors are designed by Afrikantov OKBM JSC, while ZiO-Podolsk JSC handles their production.
Beyond icebreakers, RITM-200 reactors are being adapted for innovative energy solutions, including floating power plants and small modular reactors (SMRs) designed to supply electricity to remote regions. Rosatom is constructing a series of floating power plants to support industrial consumers in Chukotka and is developing the world’s first land-based nuclear power plant using the RITM-200 unit in Yakutia.
Additionally, an agreement has been signed to build an SMR-based nuclear power plant featuring six RITM-200 reactors in Uzbekistan, showcasing the reactor’s growing international applications.
The RITM-200 has a thermal capacity of 175 MW, while an upgraded version, the RITM-200N, is designed for land-based installations with a thermal capacity of 190 MW and an electric power output of 55 MW. The reactor boasts a service life of up to 60 years with a six-year fuel cycle.
Rosatom is also developing the RITM-400, a pressurized water nuclear reactor with an anticipated power output of 80 to 90 MW. This next-generation reactor aims to further enhance the efficiency and adaptability of nuclear power solutions.
With the mass production of RITM-200 reactors now underway, Rosatom is reinforcing its leadership in nuclear energy and Arctic development, ensuring the long-term sustainability of Russia’s Northern Sea Route ambitions.