As it has been informed by IA Norilsk Nickel, one of the most serious problems for the company is now the exhausted condition of the equipment working the North sea way. According to M. Prokhorov, the CEO of Norilsk Nickel, in 2010 the life of ice-breakers will come to the end. The construction of new ships will take not less than 5-7 years. Mr Prokhorov informed that in 2003 Norilsk Nickel has been developing the projects of its own ships.

However, private companies have no right to own ice-breakers, that’s why the new technique will work according to special technology: a helicopter and a special ship will work in pair.

It is strategically important for the company to have its own ships. According to Mr Prokhorov, it will allow the company to guarantee strategic transport security for the nearest 50 yeas.