The Russian Ministry of Transport, possibly, as early as next month will announce a tender for contract for construction of new diesel-electric icebreakers. The vessels will be operating at the country’s seaports, said Viktor Olersky Deputy Transport Minister, PortNews correspondent reports. The official was speaking today at the I International Conference “Saint-Petersburg - the Sea Capital of Russia. Transport security.
According to Mr. Olersky, the Ministry is currently discussing as well the icebreaker design, as the number of vessels to be ordered. The official explained that under the Federal Program "Development of transport system of Russia until 2015" provides for the construction of three icebreakers with rated power of 25 MW. However, given the experience of similar icebreakers ("Moscow" and "St. Petersburg") this winter navigation, and the opinion of masters who operate these icebreakers, the Ministry may decide to amend either the design of the vessel or the number of orders. Mr. Olersky dose not rule out that the Ministry may book the construction of one 25 MW icebreaker and 2 or 3 vessels with rated power of 16-18 MW.
Commenting on this winter navigation in the Gulf of Finland, the official noted the existing problems of icebreakers support. With the development of the port of Ust-Luga (projected oil exports – 80m tons in the next two years) only this port will need additional 6 or 8 icebreakers.
"Nuclear-powered ice-breaker - is not a panacea. It's not exactly what we need in the Gulf in terms of technology of icebreaker assistance," Mr. Olersky was quoted as saying.
According to Mr. Olersky, the Ministry is currently discussing as well the icebreaker design, as the number of vessels to be ordered. The official explained that under the Federal Program "Development of transport system of Russia until 2015" provides for the construction of three icebreakers with rated power of 25 MW. However, given the experience of similar icebreakers ("Moscow" and "St. Petersburg") this winter navigation, and the opinion of masters who operate these icebreakers, the Ministry may decide to amend either the design of the vessel or the number of orders. Mr. Olersky dose not rule out that the Ministry may book the construction of one 25 MW icebreaker and 2 or 3 vessels with rated power of 16-18 MW.
Commenting on this winter navigation in the Gulf of Finland, the official noted the existing problems of icebreakers support. With the development of the port of Ust-Luga (projected oil exports – 80m tons in the next two years) only this port will need additional 6 or 8 icebreakers.
"Nuclear-powered ice-breaker - is not a panacea. It's not exactly what we need in the Gulf in terms of technology of icebreaker assistance," Mr. Olersky was quoted as saying.