Zvezda Shipbuilding Complex started the construction of the third natural gas fueled Product carrier tanker of the MR type. Cutting of the first hull’s parts of the future vessel began in the Hull fabrication shop on the new high-technology GP-facility installed as part of the expansion of existing capacities of the main shop of the shipyard.
The DWT of the tanker will be about 50 000 t, the length is over 180 m, the width is over 32 m, the draught - 13 m. 1B ice class vessels can safely perform all-year navigation including in the ice conditions of the Baltic Sea.
The tankers are designed for transfer of oil product and gas-condensate. Also, these tankers will be operated under long-term time-chartering contracts of Sovcomflot with Novatek. The power plants of the Product carrier tankers will operate on environmentally friendly natural-gas-based motor fuel. Such fuel can significantly reduce the amount of emissions into the atmosphere. The technical specifications of the vessels are developed taking into account the new requirements of the International Maritime Organization (IMO).
Zvezda Shipbuilding Complex is being created by a consortium led by Rosneft at the instruction of the President V.V. Putin. At this moment shipyard portfolio comprises above 50 vessels. The anchor customer is Rosneft company that has placed an order for construction of 28 vessels at the shipyard. Zvezda portfolio will include vessels with the deadweight of up to 350 000 t, components of offshore platforms, ice class vessels, commercial vessels for cargo transportation, special vessels and other types of marine facilities of any complexity, characteristics and purpose including facilities that have never been fabricated in Russia before due to the absence of the required launching and hydraulic facilities.
Zvezda Shipbuilding Complex has already put into operation the following facilities: Hull fabrication shop, paint shops, open final assembly area equipped with unique cranes and advanced SPTS (Self-propelled transport system), FTD (floating transfer dock). Built shops give possibilities to start vessels fabrication no waiting for the completion of the shipyard construction.
Putting into operation of the second stage will expand the capabilities of the shipyard and allow Zvezda, SSK to build vessels and marine facilities without any restrictions. The second stage includes: a dry dock and additional full-cycle workshops for the construction of large-capacity vessel and marine facilities.
Source: Zvezda Shipbuilding