Modular rescue boat of new generation launched in Murmansk (graphics)

Ceremonial launching of SMK-2176, multi-purpose modular search-and-rescue boat of new generation (Project 23370М) for RF Navy’s Northern Fleet was held at Murmansk Ship Repair Yard, says PR Department of the Defence Ministry.

Two more boats of this project, the completion of which is scheduled for 2017—2018, will join search-and-rescue service of the Pacific Fleet with their bases in Vladivostok and Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky.

As of today, 12 multi-purpose modular rescue boats of Project 23370 (previous project) have been built for search-and-rescue fleet of RF Navy.

SMK-2176 boat is the lead ship in the series being built for RF Navy under the three-year contract with RF Defence Ministry for construction of three boats of Project 23370М by 2018.

The Project was developed by Moscow Region based shipbuilding company KAMPO in continuation of the series of search-and-rescue modular boats of Project 23370.  Improved Project 23370M features increased dimensions (length, depth), better seaworthiness, greater speed and improved diving and firefighting equipment. Unlike boats of Project 23370, the boats of new generation can take two 20 ft containers with equipment and facilities.

The modules of such boats can be delivered to the place of rescue fleet deployment to be finally assembled on the site.

Advantages of the boat: unified hydraulic system for stationary onboard facilities (crane, winch, thrusters) and for other hydraulically operated equipment (fire pumps, instruments); modular structure and unified structural elements of the hull and superstructure complying with the standard dimensions of 20ft containers allow for delivery of the boat modules anywhere site by automobile/railway/water transport; containerized functional modules allow for reduction of required storage facilities at the Naval bases of rescue services and increase their preparedness for deployment.

Shipbuilding company KAMPO completed the first phase of building SMK-2176, lead multi-purpose modular search-and-rescue boat of Project 23370М) in August 2016. The modules were then delivered by trucks to Murmansk Ship Repair Yard for assembling and testing. A floating crane was used to place the modules onto the shipyard’s floating dock. It took two weeks to assemble the modules. Following the launching the boat will undergo trials and then join the Northern Fleet of RF Navy.

Murmansk Ship Repair Yard OJSC is a large shipyard on the eastern shore of the ice-free Kola Bay. The company repairs different civil vessels including nuclear-powered ones as well as ships of RF Defence Ministry.