For at least two days, the Dockwise semi-submersible heavy-lift vessel "Transshelf", with two Akula I-class nuclear-powered submarines loaded on board, has been awaiting the arrival of an unknown icebreaker while anchored about 115nm west of Icy Point, Alaska. The closest Russian icebreaker is "Krasin"; however, it was nearly 410nm east of "Transshelf" heading to Pevek yesterday. Perhaps after a short port call, "Krasin" will rendezvous with "Transshelf" and escort it through the icepack. At an average speed of 8kts, it will take two and a half days for "Krasin" to travel from Pevek to "Transshelf" at its current position. "Transshelf" is now expected to exit the Northern Sea Route (NSR) no earlier than September 18 -- three days after the approved NSR transit window.
For earlier reporting:
Why is the Netherlands Helping the Russian Navy Right Now? (August 14, 2014)
Nuke Boats Loaded on Heavy-Lift Vessels (August 28, 2014)
"Transshelf" Departs Russia With Nuke Boats (August 31, 2014)
"HYSY 278" Departs Russia With Oscar II SSGN (September 3, 2014)
Status of Russian Navy Nuke Boat Transfers (September 5, 2014)
"HYSY 278" Arrives Near Bolshoy Kamen With Oscar II SSGN (September 7, 2014)