Russian Navy’s newest salvage and rescue tug floated out

By Baird Maritime - May 24, 2024.

The future Russian Navy tug Mikhail Chekov being launched into the water for the first time — *Photo: United Shipbuilding Corporation*

Russian shipbuilder Astrakhan Ship Repair Plant, a division of state-owned United Shipbuilding Corporation, recently launched a new tug ordered by the Russian Ministry of Defence.

The future Mikhail Chekov is the seventh vessel under the Project 22870 series of tugs slated for the Russian Navy.

The tug honours Mikhail Chekov, a Soviet naval officer known for his marine rescue and salvage efforts in the Black Sea during World War II.

Upon completion, the tug will have a length of 57 metres, a beam of 14 metres, a maximum displacement of 1,605 tonnes, and a speed of 14 knots. Duties will include search and rescue (SAR), firefighting, towing and salvage operations, dive support, marine surveys, and oil spill cleanup.

Design work on the future Mikhail Chekov was provided by the Vympel Design Bureau.