Russian yard delays delivery of icebreaker
Russia’s leading icebreaker yard, the Baltiysky Zavod, is more than two years behind schedule in the contruction of the country’s new generation diesel-engined icebreakers.
The first vessel of Russia’s new generation of diesel-engined icebreakers was originally to be ready for operations by late 2015. However, the yard now confirms that the ship will be 24-28 months delayed.
The reason is reportedly a failure by the ship design bureau Iceberg to meet the requirements of the yard. The Baltiysky Zavod has consequently hired a new design company, RBC.ru reports. The yard has also cancelled its contract with the Nordic Yards on the construction of the icebreaker topside.
The LK-25 icebreaker will be the biggest and most powerful of Russia’s diesel-engined icebreakers. It will be 146,8 meters long and have a deadweight of 22258 tons. It will have a crew of 38 and will be able to operate autonomously for 60 days in up to two meters thick ice.
The price tag for the vessel is about €8 billion roubles. It is built for the Russian state company Rosmorport.
The Baltiysky Zavod also has contracts on the construction of the LK-60, the new nuclear-powered icebreaker, which is to be ready for sailing in 2017.
Related stories from around the North:
Asia: Full steam ahead for Asian icebreakers in the Arctic this summer, Blog by Mia Bennett
Canada: Canada’s Arctic patrol ships – A $250M mystery, CBC News
Finland: New Finland icebreaker can operate sideways with asymmetrical hull, Yle News
Russia: Russia, icebreakers and Arctic identity, Blog by Mia Bennett
Sweden: Swedish icebreakers gear up for Arctic role, Radio Sweden
United States: U.S. icebreaker fleet will need makeover by about 2020, Coast Guard says, Alaska Dispatch
