Russian firm to design ice-capable tug for Port of Arkhangelsk

Russian port operator Rosmorport has selected naval architecture firm Nordic Engineering to design a new ice-capable tug that will be operated out of the Port of Arkhangelsk.

The Project NE060 tug will be built by Butoma Shipyard. Its delivery to Arkhangelsk is scheduled for the second quarter of 2028.

The Arc6 ice class vessel will feature a steel hull, an LOA of 40 metres, a beam of 14.8 metres, a maximum draught of 6.9 metres, a displacement of 1,645 tonnes, a wheelhouse offering all-round visibility, and two diesel engines driving azimuthing propellers to deliver a maximum speed of 11.8 knots in open water and a bollard pull of 70 tonnes.

Duties will include towing, pilot transfers, salvage, debris removal, external firefighting, and oil spill response.

The newbuilding contract awarded by Rosmorport also includes options for up to two additional tugs from the same series.

All Project NE060 tugs were designed by Nordic Engineering to be capable of operating on the Northern Sea Route.