Rosmorport’s icebreakers lead 20 ships to the ports of Astrakhan and Olya
Three icebreakers owned by Astrakhan branch of FSUE Rosmorport, Kapitan Bukayev, Kapitan Chechkin and Kapitan Metsayk are now engaged in icebreaking duties in the waters of sea ports of Astrakhan and Olya, on the Volga-Caspian Sea Shipping Channel, and in the northern part of the Caspian Sea, a Rosmorpot spokesperson told PortNews.
Overall, since the navigational season commenced the fleet of icebreakers has escorted 8 ships out to sea. Two 10-ship convoys led by Kapitan Bukayev and Kapitan Metsayk are currently heading for the port, with 19 vessels awaiting icebreaking assistance to pass the VCSC.
On December 1st, the Astrakhan Port Harbourmaster announced the start of winter navigation season.
On December 8th, the icebreaker Kapitan Metsayk was sent out to the sea part of the VCSC to escort cargo vessels. Ice class restrictions, which require mandatory icebreaker assistance, entered into force as of midnight (Moscow Time), December 16, 2012 following unfavorable weather forecast.