Murmansk: The “Ленин” (Lenin)

The next stop on our sightseeing tour took us back to the port. Here, permanently berthed at a pier next to Nautica, is the world’s first nuclear-powered icebreaker ... the Lenin.

Launched in 1957, this Soviet-era icebreaker was in service between 1959-1989. During that time, it worked to clear sea routes along Russia’s northern coast and pave the way for cargo vessels. Serving in such remote areas, its nuclear power meant it could continue working without needing regular fuel replenishment.

In the 30 years it was in service, the Lenin traveled over 85,000 miles in the Arctic. Much of it through ice that eventually caused the hull to be worn thin. Hence retirement. Today, it serves as a museum ship.

It was interesting to wander through the “innards” of the icebreaker and compare it to 50 Let Pobedy, the “working” second-generation nuclear-powered icebreaker that was our ride to the North Pole in 2014.Read more