Specialists at the Admiralty Shipyards in St. Petersburg are currently constructing the hull on the slipway, pre-assembling sections, and contracting for the main ship equipment, the Russian Ministry of Natural Resources reported.

“Russia is a global leader in polar research, and the Ivan Frolov will be at the forefront of our research fleet. It will surpass existing research vessels in its technical specifications, ensuring crew safety and expedition efficiency in the harshest conditions,” Alexander Kozlov, Minister of Natural Resources and Environment, said.

The future research vessel will measure 164.8 meters in length with a maximum beam of 26 meters and a speed of 16 knots (just over 29 km/h). Built to the Arc7 ice class of the Russian Maritime Register of Shipping, it will be capable of operating near the shores of Antarctica and in the high latitudes of the Arctic Ocean.

Up to 20 scientific laboratories will be installed on board to conduct research ranging from the ocean floor to the stratosphere. The ship will also feature a helicopter complex designed to accommodate Kamov Ka-32, Mil Mi-8, and Mil Mi-38 models, including a landing platform and hangar for maintenance.

In addition to serving as a state-of-the-art platform for scientific research, the Ivan Frolov will play a key logistical role, transporting supplies and personnel to Antarctic and Arctic stations. The vessel will be capable of carrying up to 240 people, including 170 polar explorers and 70 crew members.

The launch of the Ivan Frolov is scheduled for the spring of 2027. It will replace the icebreaker Akademik Fyodorov, which has been in service since 1987.