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Russia has floated out its new nuclear-powered icebreaker as it seeks to beef up its presence in the Arctic.
One of three vessels, which are to become the world's largest and most powerful icebreakers, was today launched from the Baltic Shipyard in St Petersburg.
The monster ships are designed to transport gas through ice fields up to three metres thick through the Northern Sea.
It will also carry out rescue work in ice conditions and ice-free waters.
Crowds gathered at the shipyard to watch the Sibir ship as it was floated out.