Self-propelled hopper barge Fort handed over to North-Western Basin Branch of Rosmorport (photo)

FSUE Rosmorport says self-propelled hopper barge Fort has been placed under the economic jurisdiction of its North-Western Basin Branch.

The vessel was acquired by the company in December 2016. It is the first hopper barge of its North-Western Basin Branch and the 57^th vessel in its fleet.

The barge can carry up to 3,000 t of dredged material or other loose cargo which can be discharged through the bottom doors with hydraulic actuation.

The vessel will operate in tandem with a backhoe dredger which is to be acquired by Rosmorport in the nearest future.

The Fort is expected to be deployed from April 2017 for dredging in the southern part of Ust-Luga water area.

The barge was built in 1974 by Krupp Ruhrorter Schiffswerft GmbH (Germany). Between 1974 and 1986 was known as Ustaritz, by 1986 and 2006 – DI 16, between 2006 and 2009 - Giorgio 1, between 2009 and 2011 – CMS Seaeagle. The vessel was named Fort in 2011. Today, the Fort is flying the flag of the Russian Federation being registered by Russian Maritime Register of Shipping with Saint-Petersburg as her port of registration.

Key characteristics: class notation - КМ* R3 AUTЗ, LOA – 80.02 m, BOA - 11.37 m, depth – 5.62 m, loaded draught – 4.45 m, capacity – 1,399 GRT, speed – 7 knots, crew – 6.