Russian Icebreaker Training Simulator Wins Innovation Award
Russia has developed an advanced nuclear icebreaker navigation simulator that enhances crew training for operations along the Northern Sea Route.
A Distinguished Innovation in Maritime Training
The navigation simulator for Project 22220 nuclear icebreakers, created by Atomflot and the Admiral Makarov State University of Maritime and Inland Shipping, has won third place in the 'Best Innovative Solution in Transport Technology' category at the 2025 National Formula of Motion Awards.
The jury highlighted the project’s contribution to Russia’s transport infrastructure, import substitution, and technological sovereignty. This marks the first time in the history of the award that a maritime educational institution has been named among the finalists.
The simulator provides high‑fidelity modeling of the behavior of nuclear icebreakers, including the flagship Arktika, allowing real‑time simulation of vessel performance in various Arctic ice conditions.
How the Training System Works
Located at the Admiral Makarov State University in Saint Petersburg, the simulator replicates the left wing of a real icebreaker’s bridge with identical controls, navigation systems, and monitoring interfaces for the RITM‑200 nuclear propulsion plant. Even tactile responses are reproduced to mimic the experience of operating an actual ship.
Its core innovation lies in a new mathematical model simulating hull–ice interaction across multiple ice types. Panoramic screens reproduce visibility from the bridge, immersing trainees in realistic ice navigation conditions. The system allows officers to practice complex maneuvers such as towing, freeing vessels trapped in ice, route planning through dense ice fields, and icebreaking using both hull and propeller action.
Preparing Crews for the Northern Sea Route
The system is integrated with five additional bridge simulators, enabling simultaneous training of one icebreaker crew and up to five transport ship crews. This makes it possible to rehearse both solo voyages and multi‑vessel convoys under icebreaker escort.
More than 100 active Atomflot mariners undergo training on the simulator, and the first cohort of icebreaker officers has already completed the program, gaining the skills needed for safe and efficient Arctic operations.
The simulator was developed by Evolution of Marine Digital Technologies and supplied by ITC JET with participation from Atomflot, the Krylov State Research Centre, and Gazprom Neft. The design integrates operational knowledge from experienced icebreaker captains and ice‑navigation specialists.
Advancing Arctic Navigation Safety
The simulator enhances crew readiness and significantly improves safety along the Northern Sea Route. Captains and navigators trained on the system acquire practical experience under conditions nearly identical to real operations, without putting lives, vessels, or infrastructure at risk—an essential requirement for Arctic navigation.
Future upgrades are planned, including expanded training scenarios, VR/AR modules, and digital twins of icebreakers. Such systems prepare a new generation of navigators capable of working confidently in the extreme conditions of the Arctic, strengthening Russia’s position in the region and contributing to the safe management of northern maritime corridors.
