Soviet icebreaker Lenin
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The nuclear powered icebreaker Lenin was the first nuclear surface ship in the world. It is categorized as a polar icebreaker and also had a helicopter landing strip aft.
Launched in 1957, Lenin is powered by two OK-150 reactors and four steam turbines. The four Kirov turbines power corresponding generators connected to three sets of electric motors and gear shafts. The electric motors set in motion three propeller screws (two broad-side and one middle). Also there were two autonomous auxiliary electric power stations.
During the winter of 1966-1967 Lenin suffered an accident with one of its reactors, though reliable details are not available. (See List of nuclear accidents.)
Lenin was decommissioned in 1989, because its hull had worn thin from ice friction, and is being converted into a museum ship. It is laid up at Atomflot, a base for nuclear icebreakers in Murmansk.
After it has had cosmetic repairs inside, the icebreaker will become a museum. Specialists of the Murmansk shipping company say it is due to be finished in 2005.
Accoridng to Pravda.ru, the repairs to the Icebreaker have now been finished. The repairs should enable the icebreaker to remain afloat at the pier for 40 more years. After the cosmetic repairs inside are finished, the icebreaker will acquire the status of museum.
- Displacement (without ballast): 16,000 t
- Main turbine capacity: 32,4 MW (44,000 horse-power)
- Maximum length: 134 m
- Width: 27,6 m
- Side height: 16,1 m
- Speed: 18 knots (33,3 km per hour)
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