Reflecting the arctic’s increased position as a strategic priority for China, the country recently opened bids for the production of its first nuclear-powered icebreaker. Russia currently dominates globally in terms of civilian-operated nuclear-powered icebreakers, maintaining a fleet of four with three more on the way. The Russian military fleet boasts 41 icebreakers with 8 more in production, while the U.S. has two. These ships are increasingly important as decreasing ice has opened up new possibilities in shipping routes and natural resource exploration.
Source: China opens bids for first nuclear-powered icebreaker | The Independent Barents Observer
