The ice-resistant self-propelled platform North Pole has been floated out at the Admiralty Shipyards in St. Petersburg. This 00903 project platform was developed at the request of the Federal Service for Hydrometeorology and Environmental Monitoring (Roshydromet) as part of the state program for the development of the Arctic.

The North Pole is a research center designed for year-round expeditions in high latitudes of the Arctic Ocean. Scientists will be able to conduct research on Arctic geology, acoustics, geophysics and oceanography without needing the assistance of an icebreaker. The platform also has a landing pad for heavy helicopters like the Mi-8.

The vessel accommodates a crew of 14 people and 34 research workers.

According to the specifications, the platform is 83.1 meters long and 22.5 meters wide. It has a displacement of about 10,390 metric tons and engine power of 4,200 kW. The platform can reach a speed of at least 10 knots and drift independently for up to two years given the fuel reserves. The service life of the platform will be some 25 years.