Icebreaker
In May 2007, sea trials were completed for the nuclear-powered Russian icebreaker NS . The vessel was put into service by Murmansk Shipping Company, which manages all eight Russian state-owned nuclear icebreakers. The keel was originally laid in 1989 by Baltic Works of Leningrad, and the ship was launched in 1993 as NS "Ural". This icebreaker was intended to be the sixth and last of the "Arktika" class, and currently is the world's largest icebreaker.
Polar Security Cutter program
The Polar Security Cutter Program is the program to replace the United States Coast Guards aging fleet of icebreakers. The current fleet of large icebreakers consists of one operational heavy icebreaker, the USCGC "Polar Star", and one medium icebreaker, the USCGC "Healy". Both ships are planned to be replaced by 3 heavy and 3 medium icebreakers. The new fleet of icebreakers, will allow the USCG to perform missions in the Arctic such as defense operations and readiness, defending U.S. sovereignty and interests, national security activities and maritime safety, PWCS (Ports, waterways, and coastal security), research, search and rescue, and logistic support and vessel escort. The first icebreaker will be funded by the US Navy.