Dutch yard launches new icebreaking walk-to-work vessel for Russian JV

Dutch shipbuilder Royal Niestern Sander has floated out a new shallow-draught, icebreaking walk-to-work vessel ordered by a joint venture formed by Russian companies Mercury Sakhalin and Pola.

The vessel is specially designed and optimised for operations in the challenging conditions on the east coast of Sakhalin in temperatures ranging from -30 degrees to 35 degrees Celsius. By combining a shallow draught of 3.15 metres, a transit draught of four metres in open waters, and a grounded bottom notation, the vessel can be deployed year-round and may also be used for oil spill response.

Support for the vessel’s operation will be provided by Wagenborg Offshore, which also contributed to the design of the hull.