Future Russian Navy ammunition transport ship floated out

The Zvezdochka Ship Repair Centre of Russia's state-owned United Shipbuilding Corporation (USC) launched a new ammunition transport ship during a ceremony on Thursday, August 14.

The future Akademik Makeev is the second vessel belonging to the Project 20181 series of ammunition transport ships slated for the Russian Navy. Design work on the vessel was undertaken by USC's Almaz Central Marine Design Bureau.

An Arc5 ice-reinforced hull will permit operation even under thin surface ice conditions while an anti-heeling system will help enhance stability.

In addition to transporting ammunition, the vessel will also be capable of loading and unloading of ammunition on other vessels. Other types of cargo may also be carried.

Akademik Makeev will soon begin undergoing final outfitting. The works will entail finishing of the interiors, painting of exterior surfaces, electrical installation, and mooring trials.

The Project 20181 ammunition transport ships have been developed as variants of the Project 20180 series of seagoing tugs operated by the Russian Navy.