The Arctic Debrief: Russia's first 'Combat Icebreaker' to enter service by 2025

In this edition:

• Russia's first 'Combat Icebreaker' to enter service by 2025
• Sweden places $38 million order of 10 CB90 Next-Generation Combat Boats
• Heavy fuel oil banned from use in Arctic region
• Russia raises Soviet flag at Svalbard settlements

Latest Developments

Russia's first 'Combat Icebreaker' to enter service by 2025

The first of three Russian "combat icebreakers" has begun sea trials and is likely to enter service in the Northern Fleet by the end of 2024. The vessel is equipped with a 76mm AK-176MA gun and launchers for Uran anti-ship and Kalibr-NK cruise missiles.

It is capable of traversing 5 and 1/2 feet thick ice, meaning it can traverse the Arctic Ocean for nearly the entire year with the exception of extremely cold winter periods. The ship is called Ivan Papanin, named after a Soviet-Era polar explorer, scientist, and researcher.

Currently Russia's icebreaker fleet is mainly owned and operated by state-owned Rosatom. While the Rosatom ships are used for clearing passage for cargo and research vessels, the combat icebreakers will be used mostly for patrolling Russia's Arctic or clearing the way for other navy ships.

Sweden places $38 million order of 10 CB90 Next-Generation Combat Boats

Sweden has ordered 10 CB90 Next-Generation Combat Boats from Swedish defence manufacturer Saab for $38 million. The vessel is known for its speed and maneuverability. It can carry about 20 fully-armed troops and can be equipped with Browning M2HB machine guns and Mk19 grenade launchers.

Although Sweden has no shores or territorial waters in the Arctic, the country has been heavily cooperating with its Nordic neighbors, the US and other NATO allies on increasing defence capabilities in the region.

In addition to joining NATO in response to Russia's invasion of Ukraine, Sweden signed a defence agreement with the United States. The agreement allows for more cooperation with the US military and permits it to use some Swedish military bases.

Heavy fuel oil banned from use in Arctic region

A ban on the use of Heavy Fuel Oil (HFO) in Arctic shipping has come into effect as of July 1st. The ban was finalized by the International Maritime Organization in 2021.

HFO is a tar-like fuel used by some ships, while it is cheap it is virtually impossible to clean up the oil in case of a leak or spill. The oil is extremely harmful to ocean life and other animals. A similar ban has been in effect covering the Antarctic for over a decade.

Although the ban is seen as a win for the environmental protection of the Arctic, it does come with multiple exemptions which leave room for future ecological disasters. For example ships that carry essentials such as food and fuel for remote communities can receive an exemption to the ban.

Additionally ships that have "protected fuel tanks" are also exempt as its seen as a safer method of storing the fuel. However, spills and leaks are still possible and there are more "holes" in the ban. While a ship cannot use HFO as fuel, the product can be carried as cargo.

Russia raises Soviet flag at Svalbard settlements

Soviet flags have been hoisted by Russian communities of Barentsburg and Pyramiden on Svalbard, Norway's Arctic archipelago.

While Pyramiden has been abandoned, Barentsburg is a coalmining community that has been active since Soviet times. The community is overseen by state affiliated company called "Arktikugol" (Arctic's edge in Russian). A couple hundred Russian nationals occupy the town.

While Svalbard is under Norwegian authority, a 1920 Treaty has made it possible for the territory to be used by other nations, including Russia and China. For example, signatories can extract natural resources or conduct research.

As tensions rise between Russia and the west, the Norwegian government is exploring options of tightening its authority over the land, citing security concerns as the main driver of this change in policy.