The Multipurpose Ice Breaking Supply Vessel (MIBSV) 'Vitus Bering' was handed over to Russia's Sovcomflot in late December by Finnish shipbuilder Arctech Helsinki Shipyard.
Established in 2010 by STX Finland and Russia's state-owned United Shipbuilding Corporation to build special polar ships to complement Russian yards' capacity shortage, the joint venture has got off to a good start as the 'Vitus Bering' vessel and its sister, 'Aleksey Chirikov', are both set to be delivered four months ahead of schedule when the latter is completed in April.
Both MIBSVs will be deployed in the Far East, supporting an Exxon Neftegas platform year-round in the Sakahalin-1 Arkutun-Dagi oil and gas field. Here the vessels will operate in winter temperatures down to -35 degrees Celsius and break shifting ice up to 1.7 metres thick in high winds.
As multipurpose vessels, operations will include crew and equipment supply, fire fighting, oil spill recovery, ocean towing, as well as rescue standby. In addition to accommodation for 50 crew, the vessels can berth another 195 people.
Measuring 100 metres in length and featuring a tonnage of 7,100GT, the vessel's stern has been specially designed to navigate in ice in reverse. A diesel-electric propulsion system provides power, supplying up to 13MW to the twin azimuthing podded rudder propeller units from four Wärtsilä main engines.
The vessels will also have excellent manoeuvrability supported by DPS (dynamic positioning system) and two bow tunnel thrusters. Top speed in open water is 15 knots and 3 knots in 1.5 metre ice.
The Helsinki shipyard is the birthplace of up to 60% of the world's ice breakers currently in use.
John Pagni
