Russia to use submarines with nuclear reactors to supply gas via Arctic

Russia is developing nuclear-powered submarines equipped with three Rhythm-200 nuclear reactors to transport liquefied natural gas (LNG) via the Northern Sea Route (NSR) in the Arctic. These submarines, designed by the Kurchatov Institute, aim to reduce transit times from 20 to 12 days by traveling at speeds of about 17 knots beneath the ice, enabling year-round gas transportation from Arctic terminals. The project is seen as a potential alternative to traditional surface LNG carriers and pipelines, with Russian officials and President Vladimir Putin endorsing its feasibility and efficiency. Despite the ambitious plans, analysts express skepticism about Russia's ability to deliver the submarines due to capacity constraints in nuclear submarine design and the impact of Western sanctions on investment and infrastructure development along the NSR. Significant upgrades to Arctic ports and related facilities are necessary for the route to become competitive. The Russian government plans to increase the Arctic Basin's port capacity by over 34 million tons by 2030, reflecting a broader