Icebreaker Launched for Sovcomflot
On June 30, 2016 a new icebreaking supply vessel (IBSV) was launched for Sovcomflot as part of a long-term agreement with Sakhalin Energy.
Due to be delivered in the fourth quarter of 2016, this reinforced ice class vessel has deadweight of 3,000 metric tons and an Azipod propulsion system with a power rating of 13 MW.
The icebreaker is the first of four vessels that Sovcomflot has on order from United Shipbuilding Corporation (USC) for operations at the Sakhalin-2 project. The vessels are being constructed by USC-affiliated shipyards Vyborg Shipyard and Arctech Helsinki Shipyard Oy. The construction of all four vessels began in 2015.
In addition to the IBSV launched, the remaining three vessels are emergency response and rescue vessels (ERRVs) that have a smaller deadweight (2,000 metric tons), but offer enhanced functionality and can carry more passengers.
The agreement between Sovcomflot and Sakhalin Energy, signed in the spring of 2014, involves the operation of these vessels for 20 years. They are designed for the year-round delivery of personnel, supplies and consumables to three production platforms in the Okhotsk Sea. In an emergency, the vessels are also able to undertake complex environmental protection measures, and will enhance the safety of personnel based on these production platforms.
The Sakhalin-2 project includes two oil and gas fields being developed on the northeastern shelf of Sakhalin Island, namely the Piltun-Astokhskoye oil field and the Lunskoye gas field. Sovcomflot has been providing Sakhalin-2 with specialized supply vessels since 2009. The development of the project has necessitated increasing the supply vessel fleet by ordering these four additional vessels.
