By Alexander Miller, consultant in energy markets. Eurasia Business News, August 15, 2025. Article n°1714

The United States has internally discussed the possibility of using Russian nuclear-powered icebreaker ships to support the development of gas and liquefied natural gas (LNG) projects in Alaska. This idea is being considered as one of the possible deals to be pursued during the high-profile summit between US President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin in Anchorage, Alaska.

The discussions involve leveraging Russia’s unique fleet of nuclear-powered icebreakers, which maintain year-round shipping access along the Northern Sea Route, an important corridor for global energy and trade.

These icebreakers could facilitate the transport of LNG from Alaska’s remote northern regions to Asian markets and could also help deliver construction materials and equipment where infrastructure is limited and weather conditions harsh.

Trump has been promoting a $44 billion Alaska LNG project that involves an 800-mile pipeline to ship LNG to Asia, aiming to reduce Asian dependence on Russian gas.

Another initiative, Qilak LNG, targets producing 4 million tons of LNG annually for Asian markets. However, Qilak has not specifically requested Russian icebreaker use, and Alaska LNG has currently identified no specific need for them.

Read also : How Russia is Reshaping Global Energy Markets

The internal US discussions on icebreakers come amid broader talks between Washington and Moscow, which include negotiating a ceasefire in Ukraine and exploring commercial agreements.

No official statements have been made by the White House or Kremlin regarding the icebreaker proposal yet.

This proposal highlights a strategic effort by the US to explore potential cooperation on energy logistics with Russia in connection with the Trump-Putin summit, blending geopolitical and commercial interests. The summit marks an important diplomatic engagement between the two leaders focused on resolving the Ukraine conflict and advancing economic ties.

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© Copyright 2025 – Eurasia Business News. Article no. 1714