Academician Pashin is a replenishment oil tanker being built for the Russian Navy as part of Project 23130. On completion, it will be the first oil tanker built for the Russian Navy since the downfall of the Soviet Union.

The keel laying ceremony for the first medium-sized sea tanker under Project 23130 was held in April at Nevsky shipyard (Leningrad region), a subsidiary of JSC North-Western Shipping Company, in Schlüsselburg. It was launched in May 2016.

The total cost of the ship is estimated to be RUR3.08bn (approximately $85m).

Ownership and construction of the replenishment oil tanker

The construction of the sea tanker was accomplished according to detailed specifications mentioned in the state contract, which was signed in November 2013, with the Ministry of Defence of the Russian Federation, represented by the Federal Agency for Weaponry, Military and Special Equipment and Material facilities Procurement (Rosoboronpostavka). Project 20130 is being developed by Spetssudoproect, JSC.

In February, the shipyard announced a tender for materials and equipment such as a bow thruster, propulsion plant, cargo pumps, auxiliary diesel-generators, steering gear and compressors.

Academician Pashin ship details

The medium-sized tanker, Academician Pashin incorporates a steel hull with Arc 4 class ice strengthening. The ship has an overall length of 130m, a breadth of 21m, a maximum draught of 7m, and deadweight of 9,000t at maximum draught. The displacement of the ship will be approximately 14,000t.

The vessel will be outfitted and equipped for year-round operations, and will independently sail without limitation in area according to the rules specified in the Russian Maritime Register of Shipping. The replenishment tanker, which will sail to a maximum range of approximately 8,000 nautical miles, is designed to sail at a speed of 16k and offer an endurance of 60 days.

Accommodation and tank capacities

Academician Pashin will provide logistical and replenishment support at sea to the Russian Navy’s fleet of ships, including surface ships and submarines. The tanker will be outfitted to provide accommodation for up to 24 crew members. The tanker will carry diesel fuel, fuel oil, aviation fuel, motor oil and water, besides food and dry cargo, and can conduct replenishment at sea (RAS) missions with other ships.

The medium-sized fleet tanker will be fitted with on-board storage tanks with a capacity to hold 3,000t of fuel oil, 2,500t of diesel fuel, 500t of aviation fuel, 150t of lubricating oil, and 1,000t of fresh water. In addition to fuel storage, the vessel will be outfitted to carry 100t of dry cargo such as food and spare parts.

Academician Pashin propulsion

The replenishment ship is equipped with a single-shaft propulsion system powered by diesel engines, and a bow thruster will provide manoeuvrability in narrow canals and waterways. The vessel will also be fitted with mechanical automation systems for ensuring safety and reducing the workload of the crew.