Nuclear Energy - Foundation for the Arctic Icebreakers Fleet.

This report contains a short history of the nuclear fleet, and it shows its contemporary condition. There are arguments supporting the necessity of using nuclear power plants on the Arctic icebreakers, especially their significant autonomy and economic efficiency. The maneuverability capacities of the nuclear power plants are demonstrated. The issues of providing for the nuclear and radiation safety of the nuclear icebreakers are examined along with the ecological problems connected with them. Characteristics of a prospective nuclear icebreaker and its reactor plant are presented. Possibilities of using nuclear reactors as power sources for isolated consumers are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]