The keel for a new generation 22740M Design low-draft icebreaker has been laid in a solemn ceremony held at Onega Shipbuilding and Shiprepair Yard, the Federal Agency for Maritime and River Transport said in a statement. His will be the first icebreaker built at Onega Yard.
The 22740M Design is at present the most powerful low-draft (3.2 meters) icebreaker in Russia with a capacity of 6 MWt and an Icebreaker6 class notation. The low-draft icebreakers built in Finland that are currently in operation have a capacity of about 4.6 MWT.
The low draft will allow the 22740M Design vessel to operate in shallow freezing areas, e.g. in the Caspian and the Sea of Azov as well as in the inland waterways. It can also be deployed in the Baltic, the White Sea and other seas.
The 22740M Design icebreaker will be used to lead convoys and assist vessels in ice conditions, to provide towage and other services.
Vessel particulars:
- Class notation: КМ Icebreaker6 [2] AUT1-ICS OMBO FF3WS EPP ECO;
- LOA: 81.4 meter;
- Beam: 17 meter;
- Draft: 3.2 meter;
- Bunker endurance: no less than 10 days;
- Speed in clear water: 14 knots;
- Icebreaking capacity: capable of navigating in solid ice up to 1 meter thick;
- Crew + specialists 24 persons.
Photo: RF Federal Agency for Maritime and River Transport