Russian Icebreaker Keel Laid Down

A ceremony to mark the keel laying of the project 21900M icebreaker, to be classified by RS, was held at the ОАО Vyborg Shipyard.

The Icebreaker is to be constructed according to the Russian Maritime Register of Shipping (RS)  class with notation: KM (*) Icebreaker6 [2] AUT1-ICS FF2 BWM EPP ECO HELIDECK Special purpose ship. Construction of the ship is being carried out within the Federal Target Program "Development of Transport System in Russia (2010 - 2015)".

The new icebreaker has been upgraded taking into account the experience of previous projects’ icebreakers operated during winter navigation in the Gulf of Finland. Project 21900М icebreaker is a double-decker with helideck, a displacement of about 10 000 t, and with two full-revolving rudder propellers [sic] and a bow thruster. Its ice breaking capability is up to 1.5 m.

The vessel is primarily designed for independent ice escorting of heavy-tonnage vessels, but will also have capabilities for towage, fire fighting, salvage, and  cargo carrying. Completion of construction is planned for 2015.

Main particulars:
    •    length  ̶  119.8 m;
    •    breadth  ̶  27.5 m;
    •    draught  ̶  12.4 m;
    •    deadweight  ̶  5340 t;
    •    gross   ̶  11649 t.

Under the agreement with ОАО Vyborg Shipyard RS will carry out survey during construction in compliance with the requirements of the RS rules and international conventions.  RS staff will carry out surveys including hull, machinery, electrical and automation equipment. Depending upon the results of the surveys, as well as mooring and sea trials, the RS classification certificates and other statutory documents will be issued.