Vymorozka Chronicles: Workers brave Siberian winter to maintain ships in Russia’s far East

In the frigid expanse of Yakutia, Russia’s largest republic, a snow-covered shipyard becomes the stage for a formidable winter ritual. Drones hover low over the landscape as workers engage in the demanding process of ‘vymorozka,’ or ‘freezing out,’ to maintain hulking vessels in subzero temperatures, reaching as low as minus 50 degrees Celsius (-58 F).

Located on the banks of the Lena River, Yakutsk’s shipyard is a hive of activity during the Siberian winter, where workers diligently chip away at the ice surrounding the docked vessels. This meticulous and strenuous process, lasting weeks, unfolds against the backdrop of one of the world’s harshest climates.

The workers, seemingly undeterred by the extreme conditions, view ‘vymorozka’ as a challenging yet manageable task, emphasizing the importance of dressing appropriately. Mikhail Klus, a 48-year-old worker, remarked, “You dress the right way and that’s it. When you come (to a heated building) and get undressed, it’s like a sauna, steam rises from you.” For these individuals, embracing the cold and finding satisfaction in their work is key to navigating the challenges of the job.

Despite local perceptions in Yakutia that ‘vymorozka’ ranks among the world’s most challenging occupations, workers like Klus acknowledge that it is all a matter of perspective. Klus noted, “I don’t think it’s the hardest job – there are jobs even harder than that, but it’s probably one of the hardest jobs…One needs to try to understand, needs to love the cold and working in it.”

Beyond the physical demands of enduring extreme temperatures, the job requires precision and attention to detail. The workers must delicately chip away at the ice, identifying areas in need of repair without risking damage to the vessels. Cutting too quickly could lead to breakthroughs, causing the carved dugout to be submerged, and all the hard work to be lost.

In this winter landscape, the freezing temperatures paradoxically work to the laborers’ advantage, enhancing the quality of the ice for their task. However, the challenging conditions take their toll on some workers. Artyom Kovalec, a 22-year-old laborer, expressed, “Sometimes, when you freeze, you feel negative emotions from it. You feel it’s too cold to work, you want to go home, to eat and relax, so you have to get a grip on yourself.”

The resilience of these workers, who persist through the harsh Siberian winter to ensure the maintenance of vital vessels, underscores the importance of their role in Yakutia’s economic landscape. The Lena River, a bustling artery in summer, sees its economic lifeline preserved during the winter months through the dedicated efforts of those engaged in ‘vymorozka.’

As drones capture the breathtaking aerial view of this winter spectacle, the narrative of ‘vymorozka’ emerges not only as a testament to human endurance but as a vital chapter in the ongoing story of Russia’s Far East, where the relentless spirit of the workforce prevails against the icy challenges of nature.

You might also be interested in – ChatGPT plays Cupid for Russian man, Helps him find love on Tinder