Following the construction of Sankt-Peterburg, three icebreakers of slightly upgraded design (Vladivostok, Murmansk and Novorossiysk) were built in 2015–2016.

[9] The contract for the construction of the second Project 21900 icebreaker was signed in May 2005 shortly after the lead ship was laid down at Baltic Shipyard.

[12][15] While the azimuthing propulsion units improve the maneuverability of the icebreaker,[8] she is also fitted with a single transverse bow thruster.

[13] The two Project 21900 icebreakers were originally built to ensure year-round transportation of crude oil from the terminal in Primorsk.

[4] Sankt-Peterburg's primary mission was to escort oil tankers up to 50 metres (164 ft) in breadth in the Gulf of Finland.

[8] Since 2015, Sankt-Peterburg has occasionally been stationed in the Arctic LNG terminal of Sabetta in the Gulf of Ob during the winter months.