Finland-based Arctech Helsinki Shipyard has started construction of Russian maritime shipping company Sovcomflot’s new ice-breaking, multi-purpose supply vessel with a steel cutting ceremony held in Vyborg Shipyard, Russia.
Arctech Helsinki Shipyard is responsible for the design, hull assembly, outfitting and commissioning of the vessel.
Commenting on the start of production, Arctech Helsinki Shipyard managing director Esko Mustamäki said: “We are excited to continue the co-operation with Sovcomflot and build this ice-breaking supply vessel as the first unit of total four contracted vessels.
“The environmentally advanced vessel will increase both the oil spill response, as well as the emergency evacuation capacity when operating in the harsh climatic area of Sakhalin.”
Delivery of the vessel is expected to take place in June 2016.
The 100m-long and 21m-wide vessel will be capable of carrying cargo on deck, bulk cargo underdeck and platform crew as passengers in all weather and ice conditions.
Using six main diesel generator sets, the vessel will produce a total power of 21,000kW and propulsion power of 13,000kW.
The vessel is designed for emergency evacuation, rescue and firefighting operations, oil spill response and the platform support activities.
Once delivered, the vessel will serve Sakhalin-2 region energy production sites and transport supplies, as well as people between land bases and the production platforms in the harsh climatic areas of the Sea of Okhotsk.
The Sakhalin-2 region in Russia is operated by Sakhalin Energy Investment Company.
Image: The new vessel will be able to perform in all weather and ice conditions. Photo: courtesy of Arctech Helsinki Shipyard Inc.
