Acceptance tests of the vessel started last Friday and were completed May 26, ARMS-TASS reports. The still unnamed vessel is expected to be based in Murmansk, where its main task will be to help monitor environmental legislation and fight poachers in the Barents Sea.
According to RIA Novosti, the handover ceremony and flag hoisting will take place on May 28.
Building of the vessel started in 2002, but was delayed because of financial problems and was not completed until October 2002, as BarentsObserver reported.
The vessel is equipped with the most modern technology, which makes it possible to have a crew of only 15. In addition, the vessel can take up to 10 inspectors and border guard representatives. The vessel can be armed if necessary. “Sprut” series vessels have a deadweight of 835 tons, are 66 meters long and can make 22 knots.