Caspian Flotilla to add to auxiliary fleet new tug “RB-259"
The State Acceptance Commission of the Caspian Flotilla has signed documents for commissioning of the new harbor tug RB-249 into service with auxiliary fleet of the Caspian Flotilla. The vessel was built at Astrakhan dockyard, the Russian Defense Ministry press office said.
The tugboat "RB-259" of mixed rive-sea sailing class was designed for operations in the Caspian Sea and the delta of the Volga River. The boat has modern GLONASS navigation system, communications and automation and features high seaworthiness and the ability to pass, thanks to her small draft 280 cm, shallow waters of the Volga, the Volga-Caspian Canal and the northern Caspian Sea. The tug is powered by twin 800hp engines and is able to tow any vehicle or vessel of Caspian Flotilla fleet, the Defense Ministry press release said. The boat maximum speed – 12 kn/h.
The vessel is designed for towing ships in coastal areas, for refloating ships and mooring operations. The RB-259 is the third supply ship, built by Astrakhan shipbuilders for the Caspian Flotilla. The first two had been handed over in November 2011 and June 2012. The shipyard is also building a new search and rescue vessel with delivery scheduled for early 2013.