Siberian Shipyard Workers Endure Freezing Temperatures, Reports Reuters

YAKUTIA, Russia (Reuters) – A drone hovers low over a snow-covered shipyard in Russia’s Far East, where workers labor in subzero temperatures to maintain massive vessels during the harsh Siberian winter.

The technique known as ‘vymorozka,’ which translates to ‘freezing out,’ involves grueling and meticulous work that can take weeks under some of the most severe conditions on the planet, with temperatures plummeting to minus 50 degrees Celsius (-58 F).

Workers carefully chip away at the layers of ice encasing the ships, searching for areas that require repairs. These vessels rest in the harbor of Yakutsk, situated along the Lena River, a crucial economic artery of Siberia in the summer months, but dormant during the winter.

In Yakutia, the largest federal subject of Russia by area, locals regard ‘vymorozka’ as one of the toughest jobs available. However, the workers themselves maintain a different perspective.

"You just need to dress properly, and that’s it. When you come indoors and take off your layers, it feels like a sauna, and steam rises from you," said Mikhail Klus, 48, during a break from using a chainsaw to slice through ice.

"I don’t think it’s the hardest job—there are certainly tougher ones out there—but it’s probably one of the most challenging… One has to embrace the cold and be willing to work in it."

The job demands not only stamina and strength but also a high level of precision. Workers must be careful not to cut too quickly and risk breaking through to the water, which would submerge their progress and require starting over.

Interestingly, colder temperatures can improve the freezing quality of the ice, which can make the job smoother, although the extreme conditions can pose difficulties for some workers.

"Ice can be tough," remarked 22-year-old worker Artyom Kovalec, bundled under thick layers of clothing with a pickaxe in hand. "Sometimes you feel overwhelmed by the cold and just want to go home to eat and relax, but you have to push yourself to keep going."