Diesel-electric icebreaker Novorossiysk (Project 21900М) left for sea trials in the Gulf of Finland on 4 December 2016, FSUE Rosmorport says in a press release.
The sea trials are to be completed in mid-December.
Vyborg Shipyard was contracted to build three 16MW icebreakers under the Federal Targeted Programme “Development of Russia’s Transport System in 2010-2020” and started executing the shipbuilding contract in 2012. The lead vessel of the series, the Vladivostok, was delivered to the Customer in October 2015. The Murmansk, first serial icebreaker, was handed over in December 2015. The serial icebreaker Novorossiysk was launched at the end of October 2015.
This project icebreakers are able to sail in the 1.5-meter-thick ice. Fuel endurance of the Novorossiysk is 40 days. The ship has a heli-deck. The vessel can escort independently large-tonnage merchant ships, provide towing service, fire fighting to floating vessels and other facilities, assistance to stricken ships, transportation of cargo.
The Novorossiysk is to be deployed in the Baltic Sea and on the Arctic routes.
Related links:
Vyborg Shipyard holds flag hoisting ceremony at diesel-electric icebreaker Novorossiysk (Project 21900М) >>>>
Vyborg Shipyard starts dock-side trials of icebreaker "Novorossiysk" (photo) >>>>