Russian icebreaking research ship Ivan Frolov to sail on first Antarctic voyage in 2029

The future Russian icebreaking research ship Ivan Frolov will be launched in March 2027 and then completed by the end of the following year, the head of the Russian Federal Service for Hydrometeorology and Environmental Monitoring (Roshydromet) confirmed recently.

Roshydromet head Igor Shumakov confirmed in a meeting with Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin that the construction of the Project 23680 vessel is proceeding as scheduled and that the vessel itself will be ready for its maiden voyage to Antarctica by the beginning of 2029.

Construction of Ivan Frolov is ongoing at United Shipbuilding Corporation's Admiralty Shipyards in Saint Petersburg. Upon completion, it will have an LOA of 164.8 metres, a beam of 26 metres, a depth of 13.5 metres, a draught of 8.5 metres, a displacement of approximately 25,000 tonnes, and accommodation for 240 crewmembers and scientific personnel.

The vessel will feature a maximum of 20 laboratories as well as a hangar and a flight deck for use by Mi-8, Mi-38, or Ka-32 helicopters.

Design work on Ivan Frolov is being undertaken by the Nevskoye Design Bureau in compliance with Russian Maritime Register of Shipping rules.