On January 15, 2016, Craneship, LLC (Temryuk, Krasnodar Territory) launched tugboat Pur within the framework of Portoflot project. According to Communications Department of Rosatomflot, the vessels is intended for providing a package of port services at port Sabetta.
Mustafa Kashka, Chief Engineer of FSUE Atomflot, says that “members of the acceptance team – captain, chief mechanic, electrical officer – will be sent to Craneship as early as in February. Transition of the tugboat to Murmansk is scheduled for early April. There are no complaints about the quality of works.”
The launch of the second port tugboat, also being built by Craneship, is scheduled for February with the transition to Murmansk – for mid-May.
The capacity of the Arc 4 tugboats is 3.84 MW, speed in open water - 13 knots. Maximum draught – 4.93 m, length – 30.87 m, width – 11.2 m, crew - 10. Under the agreement signed with Yamal LNG, the tugboats will be deployed till 2040.
The vessels are to start their operation in summer 2016.
Under the project, Portoflot also signed a contract for construction of a port icebreaker at Vyborg Shipyard (corporate member of USC). The icebreaker is to have the following characteristics: length – 84.3 m, width – 21.3 m, draught – 6.5 m, deadweight with cargo and maximum draught - at least 2,000 t. Icebreaking capability – 1.5 m.
Two pairs of Azipod thrusters will be fitted on the bow and stern of the ship, all of which will be adapted to the conditions. They will be equipped with powerful electric motors (3MWs each). One of the crucial benefits of Azipod propulsion is that they turn 360 degrees, allowing the ship’s crew to maneuverer the vessel to operate stern or bow first. The ship will perform special tasks at port Sabetta where LNG plant is being built under Yamal LNG project.