LASH freighter Sevmorput to help attain Defense Ministry’s goals
© RIA Novosti. Alexey Danichev

LASH freighter Sevmorput to help attain Defense Ministry’s goals

Russia's only nuclear powered freighter/LASH or "lighter aboard ship," the Sevmorput, has successfully passed sea trials following two years of repairs, Interfax reported, citing Mustafa Kashka, Atomflot Deputy Director General and Chief Engineer.

According to Rosatom General Director Sergei Kiriyenko, the repaired ship will be used for various transport purposes, including service for the Defense Ministry.

"This freighter will carry out serious tasks under the new objectives set by the Defense Ministry. The ministry is in the middle of establishing new military bases on ocean islands, and the amount of work is increasing. This freighter was designed for these kinds of jobs," Kiriyenko said, as quoted by Rossiya Segodnya. He added that the Sevmorput is a unique ship, capable of providing efficient and low-cost freight delivery to remote areas.

The Rosatom State Atomic Energy Corporation decided to restore the LASH freighter in December 2013. The vessel underwent maintenance and repairs, as well as an extension of the service life of the nuclear reactor.