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KRASSIN Icebreaker

The Krassin is an icebreaker symbolic of its epoch. A remarkable museum, it is popular among both guests and residents of St. Petersburg alike. Your visit will bring you into contact with a piece of living history and inspire the romance of polar exploration.
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In the early part of the 20th century, Russia was granted priority in the exploration of the Arctic Ocean. Icebreakers were first used to study these vast, unexplored regions. The Ermak and the Svyatogor, pioneers of the Russian icebreaker fleet, dominated as the most powerful vessels in the world for half a century. The superior construction of the Svyatogor (Krasin), would serve as a template for the development of the nation’s subsequent icebreaker designs.

 

Разрез

 
 General characteristics of the icebreaker Svyatogor   (at the time of its construction)
Classification - Arctic icebreaker
Function - escort vessel and expedition vessel
Length Overall - 98,5 m
Width Overall - 21, 6 m
Depth of Immersion at Maximum Capacity - 9,1 m
Displacement, Loaded (coal) - 10,620
Main power plant - solid fuel steamer
Capacity - 3x3 350 hp
Speed - 15 knots

 


Chronology

 March 13, 1917 

The Russian Navy Ensign is hoisted over the icebreaker Svyatogor.
 
August 1, 1918
The icebreaker is scuttled to block invading ships heading toward Arkhangelsk. She is raised by the English and sails under English colors until 1921.
 
August, 1921
The ship’s return is orchestrated by the Narkomat (People’s Commissariat) of Foreign Commerce of the RSRSR with the personal participation of L. Krassin.

August 3, 1927
The icebreaker Svyatogor is renamed the Krassin.
 
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June 16, 1928
The icebreaker Krasin serves as flagship for the rescue operation of Umberto Nobile’s North Pole expedition on the dirigible Italia.
 
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October 8, 1928
The Krassin becomes the first merchant marine ship to be awarded the Order of the Red Banner of Labour.
 
July 30 - October 25, 1929
The Krassin takes part in the ninth Kara expedition, the most large-scale and crucial operation along the Kara Sea Route.
 
March-April, 1933
The icebreaker reaches Cape Zhelaniya. Never before has a vessel been able to pass through its waters this time of year.
 
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July 17, 1933 
The Krassin leads the First Lenin Transport Expedition, resulting in ocean access for Yakutia.
 
September 22, 1936
The Krassin sets out for Point Barrow in search of pilot S. Levanevsky.
 
November 4, 1941
 The icebreaker sets sail for America.
 
April 26, 1942
The Krassin departs Reykjavik for the USSR as part of the PQ-15 convoy.
 
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May 5, 1942
The PQ-15 convoy reaches Kildin and enters Kola Bay, concluding its expedition. The Krassin completes the 15,309-mile route Providence Bay-Norfolk-Halifax-Reykjavik-Murmansk. 
 
October, 1943 
Completion of the ship’s circumnavigation (885 days) in Vladivostok.
 
1956-1960 
The icebreaker undergoes major repairs and reconstruction as new liquid-fuel boilers are installed.
 
April 1, 1972
The veteran ship of the icebreaker fleet is transferred to the Ministry of Geology of the RSFSR to serve as a scientific research vessel.
 
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February 20, 1992
The Russian Federation issues a order of protection for the Krassin, declaring it a monument of national historic significance. 
 
May 16, 1992
The Icebreaker Krassin Museum is inducted into the registry of Russian museums.
 
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1995
The museum’s first expositions opens aboard the icebreaker.
 
February 10, 2004
A branch of the Icebreaker Krassin Museum is opened in St. Petersburg.
 
March 31, 2007
The 90th anniversary of the Krassin.
 
2008 
A celebration is held aboard the icebreaker in honor of the 80th anniversary of the rescue of Umberto Nobile’s expedition the ship’s triumphant return to St. Petersburg.
 
March 31, 2012 
The icebreaker celebrates its 95th anniversary.
 
March 31, 2017
The icebreaker celebrates its centenary.
 
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