Arctech Helsinki Shipyard launches first icebreaker for Russia
Finland-based Arctech Helsinki Shipyard has launched a new 16MW icebreaker for the Russian Ministry of Transport, following a naming ceremony held at the yard.
Finland-based Arctech Helsinki Shipyard has launched a new 16MW icebreaker for the Russian Ministry of Transport, following a naming ceremony held at the yard.
The Murmansk icebreaker is part of a series of three new buildings ordered by the Russian Ministry of Transport from Vyborg Shipyard.
Arctech Helsinki Shipyard managing director Esko Mustamäki said: "Icebreaker Murmansk, which was launched today, is an icebreaker type in the Russian icebreaker renewal programme intended both for the Baltic Sea as well as Arctic conditions.
"The vessel will be delivered later this year. It is built in co-operation with Vyborg shipyard."
"Icebreaker Murmansk is intended both for the Baltic Sea as well as Arctic conditions."
For this project, Vyborg Shipyard will provide the basic design and major components along with 40% of the vessels hull blocks.
Arctech Shipyard is responsible to carry out the construction, outfitting, and commissioning of the vessel.
The 119.8m-long and 27.5m-wide vessel will be deployed for icebreaking and assisting of heavy-tonnage vessels in ice, towing of vessels, and other floating structures both in ice and in open water.
In addition, it will be used for fire fighting on floating objects and other facilities, assisting vessels in distress in ice and open water and cargo transportation.
The new vessel will be capable of operating in temperatures as cold as -40°? and the maximum icebreaking capability of the vessel is 1.5m.
The first vessel is expected to be delivered this autumn, while the second in the series is scheduled for delivery in the beginning of 2016.
Image: The 119.8m-long and 27.5m-wide Murmansk icebreaker will be able to operate in temperatures as cold as -40°?. Photo: courtesy of Arctech Helsinki Shipyard Inc.