Conditions and perspectives of the Russian and foreign arctic research fleet

The article is devoted to the conditions of the Russian and foreign research fleet able to work in the Arctic waters according to its technical specifications. The study has revealed that a modern common trend is construction of multi-functional research and expedition vessels, able not only to conduct research, but to transport cargoes and to serve as icebreakers or carriers of aircrafts. The authors conclude that the Russian Arctic research fleet is the most numerous. However it needs to be modernized because the most of the vessels were constructed in 1970s and 1980s.