New Russian crab catcher to commence sea trials

Neva-Slippel, a shipbuilding company under Russia's Norebo Group, will soon commence sea trials of a new crab fishing vessel.

Mekhanik Stepanov belongs to the Project 03070 series of crab fishing vessels designed by the Petrobalt Design Bureau. Rus (pictured), the first vessel in the series, was delivered in 2020 following construction at Pella Shipyard and has since been operating with local fishing company the Antey Group.

The Project 03070 vessels are designed primarily for catching Kamchatka, Opilio and blue crab using conical "Japanese-style" traps. The vessels also feature RSW tanks for transporting live catch.

The vessel has an LOA of 50.45 metres, a beam of 12.53 metres, and space for 30 crewmembers. A 1,200kW main engine will deliver a service speed of 12 knots.

Following her trials and commissioning in Saint Petersburg, Mekhanik Stepanov will be handed over to local seafood company Island Crab. Sister vessel Mekhanik Tsuranov was handed over to the same customer earlier this month.