Arctech Helsinki launches Baltika

Written by Nick Blenkey
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Baltika's design innovations include the use of an asymmetric hull

DECEMBER 12, 2013 — Finland’s Arctech Helsinki Shipyard today launched the icebreaking multipurpose emergency and rescue vessel Baltika.

Being built for the Russian Federal Agency of Sea and River Transport, the 76.4 m long x 20.5 m beam vessel will be operated by the FGI Gosmorspassluzhba (Russian Marine Emergency Rescue Service)and will be used in icebreaking, rescue and oil spill response operations in the Gulf of Finland. Her advanced oil recovery system is suitable for operation even in heavy waves.

The vessel introduces a completely new type of technology. It features an asymmetric hull, patented oblique design and three 360 degrees rotating propulsors, which allow the vessel to operate efficiently sideways, astern and ahead. The three main diesel generator sets have a total power of 9 MW and total propulsion power is 7.5 MW.

In oblique mode, the vessel will be able to generate a 50 m wide channel in 0.6 m thick ice. Bow and stern first the vessel can operate in 1.0 m thick ice. The design of the vessel is based on the ARC 100 concept, which has been developed by Aker Arctic Technology.

“It has been great to build the first-ever sideways operating icegoing vessel”, comments the Managing Director of Arctech Helsinki Shipyard, Esko Mustamäki. I believe this vessel will be the benchmark when developing and building innovative Arctic vessels. “The icebreaking multipurpose emergency and rescue vessel is technically advanced and building it has required a special knowledge

When the vessel is delivered, she will be used in the Gulf of Finland in icebreaking, rescue and oil combatting operations. The advanced oil recovery system is suitable for operation also in heavy waves.

“This project is very important for Russian Federation. The building of this vessel and its future operation in the Gulf of Finland is a significant step in the co-operation between Finland and Russia,” says the Head of the Federal Agency for Sea and River Transport “Rosmorrechflot”, Alexander Davydenko.

The vessel is being built in cooperation with Shipyard Yantar JSC in Kalingrad, Russia, which produced the blocks for the vessel. Hull assembly started in June 2013 at Arctech Helsinki Shipyard, which is also responsible for its design, outfitting and commissioning.

The vessel is scheduled to be delivered to the customer in spring 2014.

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