Astrakhan based shipyard, the Astrakhan Shipbuilding Production Association (ASPO, part of United Shipbuilding Corporation) has delivered the lead tugboat of Project 35, Neptune. According to Caspian Energy Group’s press release, other four sister-ships built by ASPO for OMS Shipping (Kazakhstan) are waiting for their turn.
“The ships meet all modern requirements and can be operated round-the-year in ice-free seas. They are equipped with firefighting systems to extinguish fires at other vessels, floating and coastal facilities. Supposed area of navigation – Caspian Sea”, Project Manager Igor Simtsov says.
Tugboat of Project 35 with total capacity of two main engines making 880 kW is intended for towing non-self-propelled barges with displacement of up to 4,000 at a speed of up to 5 knots, for moving vessels within ports’ water areas, for participation in mooring and rescue operations. The shipyard has built 5 ships of this class.
Key characteristics of the tugs of Project 35: length – 24.5 m, width – 8 m, depth – 3.7 m, full displacement – 260 t.
Caspian Energy Group structure combines resources enabling to fulfill complex projects relating to construction of facilities for offshore fields development. The strategic goal of Caspian Energy Group is strengthening and increasing of competitiveness of Russian manufacturers of complex marine facilities for continental shelf development and Caspian shelf development first of all. The enterprises constituting the Group are combined into divisions. Integration of engineering, production and service divisions within the Group structure guarantees operational reaction on dynamic and competitive environment and provides efficiency and transparency in projects on construction of facilities for onshore fields development. Quality and HSE policies of Caspian Energy Group are based on the strict compliance with international and national standards, rules and regulations.
United Shipbuilding Corporation (USC OJSC) is the largest shipbuilding company in Russia. It was set up in 2007 with 100% federal ownership. The holding comprises 60 companies and organizations (major shipbuilding and shiprepairing companies as well as leading design bureaus). Currently, USC consolidates about 80% of the domestic shipbuilding complex. The Russian market is the main focus of the state corporation though it also exports its products to 20 countries worldwide.