Russia gives go ahead for icebreaking vessels to be built in Germany

Russia has given instruction to build two further icebreaking vessels at Nordic Yards Wismar GMBH in Germany.

The order will see Russia’s Maritime Register of Shipping (RS) undertake classification and surveying of the two MPSV 06 NY multipurpose icebreaking salvage vessels.

The vessels will be able to engage in icebreaking operations in port and port vicinity as well as in freezing non-arctic seas at ice thickness not in excess of 1.5 m.

The ships have been built to perform a variety of tasks including the following: oil spill response, fire fighting on floating and shore facilities, towage and escort of vessels in distress, search of and salvage services to ships in distress, search, rescue, evacuation and accommodation of humans, medical assistance rendering, and underwater engineering work.

A Scorpio remotely operated deep-sea submersible will also be installed on board to enable exploration of the sea bottom and damaged items as deep as 1000 m.

In addition, the vessels will be equipped with two diving systems to enable operations at depths up to 60 m with underwater television equipment, cutting and welding equipment. The systems will also be capable of deep-sea engineering operations up to 300 m, depending on the competence of divers.

The vessels are being built as part of Russia’s Federal Target Programme 'Transport System Development in Russia (2010-2015)'.

Nordic Yards has already received several orders from Russia this year for the construction of icebreaking vessels and related components.