Victor Chernomyrdin icebreaker left for sea trials

The Victor Chernomyrdin icebreaker under construction for FSUE Rosmorport left for shipyard’s and state sea trials, Rosmorport says in a press release. For 15-20 days, the trial team of Admiralteiskie Verfi shipyard, the crew, the state commission and representatives of the customer will test all systems and mechanisms of the ship including the main propulsion system, navigation and communication systems, radiolocation stations and the entire propulsion system.

The trial programme includes maneuverability trials including 180-degree turn in vessel’s own length and speed trials including assessment of stability at full speed. Besides, manual and automatic steering systems are to be checked including Aut1 system.

The icebreaker has two helicopter decks and, a hangar and fuel storage facility. A helicopter is to make both day and night takeoffs and landings. A radio beacon station and radio connection will be checked during the trials.  

According to the state contract, ice trials of the ship will be held in the Actic seas after the delivery of the ship to Rosmorport since the ice floe of required thickness is only available from March-April.

The Victor Chernomyrdin is one of the most powerful diesel-electric icebreakers in the world. The ship of 22,300 tonnes in displacement can sail with a speed of about 17 knots in clear water and break through ice of up to 3 meters thick with a 20-centimetre snow cover at 2 knots in both ahead and astern directions. The icebreaker features high maneuverability.  The vessel is also fitted with an air-bubbling system that reduces friction between the hull and ice. The ship’s crew – 38. Endurance - 61 days.

The vessel is intended for icebreaking assistance and towing of ships. With its special premises and laboratories for scientific equipment as well as ability to accommodate 90 special personnel it can service scientific expeditions in the Arctic and Antarctic.