On the morning of December 8, 2025, HGC Shipyard welcomed a pivotal moment in China-Russia cooperation—the grand launching ceremony of the ice-class tugboat HGC9055 (MV UMBA), built by Huigang International. The ceremony was attended by Mr. Lukiantsev, Consul General of the Russian Federation in China; Mr. Dakhnovskiy, Chief Trade Representative of the Russian Federation in China; Mr. Dutkovskii, Assistant to the Chief Trade Representative; the ship's godmother, Ms. Ylia; Mr. Vaniukov from RS Classification Society; Mr. Cao from RS Classification Society; the management and design teams of Huigang International (HGC); and Chinese partners. Amid the auspicious atmosphere of a traditional dragon dance performance, the hull of HGC9055 rested quietly on the slipway, ready to embark on its magnificent journey from the banks of the Yangtze River to the Arctic routes.

A representative of Huigang International's management delivered a speech, stating:"This steel giant, HGC9055-UMBA, bearing the wisdom and aspirations of both China and Russia, now proudly enters the water, proclaiming to the world the new heights of Chinese manufacturing! It embodies the ingenuity and sweat of countless builders who have worked tirelessly day and night, witnessing our magnificent leap from catching up to leading in the field of high-end ice-class vessels. This is not only a technological breakthrough but also a declaration of the era in which China and Russia join hands to open up the Arctic frontier and build the Ice Silk Road.Today, this steel giant cleaves through the waves; looking ahead, the vast icy expanse will become a thoroughfare. Let this ice-breaking pioneer stand as proof that we will surely continue to write more magnificent chapters of conquering the polar regions and connecting the world in this blue domain that carries our dreams!"

The Consul General of Russia to China emphasized in his address: "Arctic development and the safety of the Northern Sea Route are national priorities for Russia. Today, we have witnessed the perfect integration of Russia's expertise in Arctic equipment and China's advanced shipbuilding capabilities." This tugboat, featuring ARC4 ice-class design, will serve in the waters of Murmansk. Its construction process embodies the technical wisdom of both China and Russia, making it the latest exemplary model of cooperation between the two countries in the field of high-end equipment manufacturing. As the ship smoothly entered the water along the rails, stirring waves symbolic of its maiden voyage, the venue erupted into a tidal wave of applause—a tribute to the diligent efforts of the builders and a celebration of the tangible achievements of the China-Russia comprehensive strategic partnership of coordination for the new era.

This launching ceremony marks a decisive step forward in the project and heralds a new phase in China-Russia Arctic cooperation. As an important component of the "Ice Silk Road," the HGC9055 tugboat will carry out missions in the harsh Arctic environment, providing reliable support services for the Northern Sea Route. Its construction and operation not only demonstrate the technical capabilities of China's shipbuilding industry but also reflect the shared commitment of China and Russia to advancing global transport infrastructure development. With the successful launch of this icebreaker, which symbolizes friendship and cooperation, practical collaboration between China and Russia is poised to embrace broader prospects, injecting new momentum into regional connectivity and the flourishing of international trade.