Ship & Boat International: eNews April 2019
JSC Admiralty Shipyards, Russia has commenced work on a self-propelled scientific research ship, intended for long-term deployment in the Arctic Ocean. Intended to function as a floating platform, the vessel was ordered by Russia’s Federal Service for Hydrometeorology and Environmental Monitoring (Roshydromet).
Designed for a complement of 14 crew members and 34 scientists, the 83.1m x 22.5m, ice-class unit will be fitted with 4,200kW of propulsive power. It will displace 10,390tonnes and feature a minimum speed of 10knots in transit mode. Special attention has been paid to its onboard fuel capacity, enabling personnel to conduct operations uninterrupted for up to two years in the Arctic without needing to return to port.
Classification is being arranged by the Russian Maritime Register of Shipping (RS), which aims to award the newbuild the notation KM (µ) Arc5[1] AUT1-C Helideck-F Special Purpose Ship. RS comments: “Due to the unusual hull shape, the platform will be forced out by ice in drift conditions, with the load distributed on the sides and bottom. Thus, the platform is being constructed to ice class Arc5, while the hull strength along the sides and bottom will correspond to ice class Arc8. This approach will ensure safe operation in difficult polar water conditions when compressed by multi-year ice.”
For personnel safety and comfort, the platform will be able to generate an ambient temperature of up to 50°C. Delivery is expected in 2020.
