Finland-based arctic shipbuilding technology specialist Arctech has launched icebreaking multipurpose emergency and rescue vessel Baltika for the Russian Federal Agency of Sea and River Transport.
The ship will be operated by the FGI Gosmorspassluzhba (Russian marine emergency rescue service) for icebreaking, rescue and oil combating operations in the Gulf of Finland.
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Arctech undertook design, hull assembly, outfitting and commissioning of the vessel. The hull assembly work began in June.
The vessel was built in co-operation with Russia-based Shipyard Yantar, which produced the blocks of the vessel.
The icebreaker’s design is based on the ARC 100 concept and has been developed by Aker Arctic Technology. The vessel has a length of 76.4m and breadth of 20.5m.
Baltika’s asymmetric hull and patented oblique design allow it to move sideways, astern and forwards.
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By GlobalDataArctech Helsinki Shipyard managing director Esko Mustamäki said that it has been great to build the first-ever sideways operating icegoing vessel.
“I believe this vessel will be the benchmark when developing and building innovative Arctic vessels. The icebreaking multipurpose emergency and rescue vessel is technically advanced and building it has required a special knowledge,” he added.
In oblique mode, the vessel can generate a 50m-wide channel in 60cm-thick ice, but when the bow and stern is first, the vessel can operate in 1m-thick ice. An advanced oil recovery system incorporated in the ship enables it to operate in heavy waves.
The vessel generates power from three main diesel generators that have a total power of 9MW. Its three 360° rotating propulsors have a total power of 7.5MW.
The vessel is scheduled for delivery in 2014.
Image: The icebreaking rescue vessel will be operated by the Russian Federal Agency of Sea and River Transport in the Gulf of Finland. Credit: Arctech Helsinki Shipyard Inc.
