Vyborg Shipyard Construction has commenced steel cutting for a new ice-class supply vessel, the first in a series of multipurpose PSVs ordered by Sovkomflot (SCF Group), the PortNews correspondent reports from the ceremony.
The vessel will reportedly be named Vitus Bering. The lead ship delivery is scheduled for late 2012 - early 2013, the second vessel – for 2013.
In Dec, 2010 SCF Group and EXXON Neftegas Ltd (an operator of the project "Sakhalin-1") inked a time-charter agreement. The shipbuilding contracts were signed by SCF and Arctech Helsinki Shipyard Oy (a JV of United Shipbuilding Corporation and STX Finland). Vyborg Shipyard performs subcontract for the construction of most blocks for new ships.
The ice-class vessels are intended for year-round maintenance of the offshore oil platform at Arkutun-Dagi deposit ("Sakhalin-1").
The PSVs hulls are designed for operation in ice conditions (up to 1,7m ice thickness) and forward stern movement. The vessels will have dynamic positioning system installed onboard and main diesel-electric engines' rated power of 18 MW. Ship’s DWT - 3950 tons, LOA - 99 m.