The use of atomic energy in an icebreaker.

Nuclear icebreakers are much more powerful than diesel ones. This allows them to pass through a very thick crust of ice at a relatively high speed. The fuel requirements for this task using any other fuel source (such as diesel) would be enormous: about 90 metric tons of fuel per day compared to one pound of uranium at full capacity. Icebreakers usually refuel every 5-7 years. This provides tremendous cost advantages as well as convenience beyond the availability of ports and refueling points in remote areas. However, the installation and maintenance of the nuclear propulsion system and the fuel itself is quite costly.