Severodvinsk, Port city in Arkhangelsk Oblast, Russia
Severodvinsk is a port in Arkhangelsk Oblast, Russia, positioned where the Northern Dvina delta meets the White Sea coast along the Gulf of Dvina. The settlement spreads over flat terrain bordered by pine forests and wetlands, separating the urban center from the open water and surrounding rural areas.
Founded in 1936 as Sudostroy to support shipbuilding, the settlement was renamed Molotovsk in 1938 to honor a Soviet official. After Stalin's death, it took the name Severodvinsk in 1957, reflecting its location by the Northern Dvina and marking a shift in local identity.
The name references the Northern Dvina, linking the town to the river that shapes its geography and economy since the early construction years. Local life revolves around the maritime industry, with workers from the shipyards often gathering in the central squares during breaks or after shifts.
International travelers must apply for a special permit before entering, as military installations restrict access to the area. Visitors heading north should bring warm clothing, since the climate near the White Sea remains cool even in summer, with frequent rain and strong winds.
The Sevmash shipyard built the first Soviet nuclear submarine in 1957, turning this location into a center of military naval innovation. Today, this facility remains one of the few places worldwide where nuclear submarines are built and modernized.
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