The nuclear power plant will not have nuclear fuel on board during transport, but the Norwegian Coastal Administration and the Norwegian Radiation Protection Agency will nevertheless follow the transport closely along the Norwegian coast.
«Akademik Lomonosov» will follow a route from St. Petersburg, southwest through the Baltic Sea, via Skagerak, and along the Norwegian coast up to Murmansk in North-West Russia. The transport will take about three weeks.
Without nuclear fuel
The original plan was to test the reactors before leaving St. Petersburg and let the transport go to Murmansk with nuclear fuel on board. However, these plans changed last summer after a constructive dialogue with, among others, Norwegian authorities. The nuclear power plant is now being transported to Murmansk without nuclear fuel on board.
Preparedness during transport
This is the first time a floating nuclear power plant is being transported along the coast of Norway. The Norwegian authorities will monitor its voyage closely. The Norwegian Coastal Administration is the responsible authority, and Vardø Vessel Traffic Service (VTS) will monitor the entire voyage from St. Petersburg to its arrival in Murmansk. The NCA surveillance aircraft and Norwegian emergency towing services are on preparedness to mobilize if needed.
«Akademik Lomonosov»
Russian authorities started planning a floating nuclear power plant already 25 years ago, and the first, "Akademik Lomonosov", was completed at the Baltic Shipyard in St. Petersburg this year. The purpose of developing floating nuclear power plants is initially to supply remote areas with electricity. "Akademik Lomonosov" will be transported to Pevek in the east of Russia, where it will replace the “Bilibino” nuclear power plant.
More information about the towing of «Akademik Lomonosov»