While Russia commands the most powerful icebreaker fleet in the world, it is of course not the only nation to possess such vessels. This gallery offers you a glimpse of mighty vessels from all over the globe that can cut through thick ice sheets like hot knife through butter, keeping vital seafaring routes clear and engaging in a variety of nautical expeditions.
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© Wikipedia / Bahnfrend
Aurora Australis, an Australian icebreaker.
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© Wikipedia / Jukka Koskimies
Finnish icebreaker Otso returning from sea trials to its base in Helsinki.
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© Wikipedia / Verne Equinox
The CCGS Louis S. St-Laurent, a Canadian Coast Guard heavy icebreaker, seen in Halifax Harbour with naval tender nearby.
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© Wikipedia / U.S. Coast Guard/DoD
US Coast Guard Cutter Healy (WAGB-20) sits approximately 100 miles north of Barrow, Alaska, conducting scientific ice research.
The German research icebreaker Polarstern in Bremerhaven.
The nuclear powered icebreaker "Rossiya" returning to Murmansk with polar explorers picked up from North Pole-37 drifting station.
The nuclear-powered icebreaker "Soviet Union" in Murmansk port.
A helicopter view of NS 50 Let Pobedy (50 Years of Victory) Russian nuclear-powered icebreaker sailing toward the North Pole.
The atomic icebreaker Yamal seen during the world's largest Arctic expedition in the recent 20 years, Kara-Winter 2015.
The launching ceremony of the lead ship of Project 22220 Arktika nuclear-powered icebreaker at the Baltic Shipyard in St. Petersburg.
