Classification society RINA has granted Approval in Principle (AiP) to China State Shipbuilding Corporation (CSSC) for a nuclear-powered multi-role icebreaker concept designed for Arctic operations.

The vessel concept was developed by the Marine Design and Research Institute of China and is intended to support both seasonal cargo transport and polar tourism along Arctic routes. The proposed design measures around 165 metres in length and 30 metres in width, with an estimated displacement of close to 30,000 tonnes.

According to RINA, the icebreaker is designed to accommodate up to 250 passengers. It also incorporates features designed for operation in extreme polar environments, including enhanced cold insulation, noise and vibration mitigation, and high-standard accommodation systems.

In addition to passenger operations, the design includes cargo capacity for approximately 300 standard containers, along with a modular arrangement for oversized or non-standard cargo. The vessel is designed to break ice up to 2.5 metres thick at a speed of about 3.7 km/h, supporting year-round navigation in harsh Arctic conditions.

The propulsion system uses a molten salt reactor and supercritical carbon dioxide technology, which RINA said is designed to maximise thermoelectric conversion efficiency and enhance safety in line with internationally recognised nuclear safety standards.

RINA announced the granting of AiP on 17 December. The Approval in Principle confirms the technical feasibility of the design concept and its alignment with applicable classification and safety standards. Still, it does not constitute final approval for construction or operation.