Azipod units installed onto the 25MW icebreaker Victor Chernomyrdin built at Baltiysky Zavod shipyard
On July 20, installation of two Azipod units onto the 25MW icebreaker Victor Chernomyrdin (LK-25, Project 22600) was completed at Baltiysky Zavod-Sudostroyeniye LLC, says the shipyard’s press center.
The icebreaker’s unique propulsion system consists of two Azipod units (7.5 MW each) and one centerline propeller shaft coupled to a fixed pitch propeller (10 MW).
The electrical propulsion system - where the electric motor with propeller is mounted inside a streamlined pod capable of 360 degree movement beneath the ship - can drive and steer the ship at the same time.
For the first time ever this equipment was installed with the use of unique facilities developed and produced at Baltiysky Zavod shipyard. Russian know-how is a special lifting module allowing for precise positioning of the equipment. The angle of the lifting platform can be adjusted in all directions.
“Installation of Azipods is one of the most significant phases in construction of the diesel-electric icebreaker. The highest concentration and well-coordinated work is required from the engineers and workers at this phase which is to be followed by the highlight event – the launching of the icebreaker”, said Andrei Galkin, Head of Project 22600. The works have been performed under the supervision and with direct involvement of ABB specialists. Engineers of ABB, the supplier of Azipods, have appreciated the highest professionalism and proactivity of the shipyard personnel involved in the installation process.
As of today, technical readiness of diesel-electric icebreaker Victor Chernomyrdin is estimated at 40%. The launching ceremony is scheduled for the fourth quarter of 2016.
The Victor Chernomyrdin is to be the largest and the most powerful diesel-electric icebreaker in the world. The icebreaker ordered by FSUE Rosmorport is intended for independent pilotage of vessels and for operation as an auxiliary vessel to escort convoys in challenging ice conditions at the Northern Sea Route. The ship can also be utilized for expeditions, towing and search & rescue operations in both ice and clear waters. Other functions of the icebreaker: support of underwater operations at drilling rigs and oil platforms, laying of underwater pipelines, exploration of sea bottom, firefighting at vessels and oil-extracting platforms. The ship is designed and built to the class of Russian Maritime Register of Shipping: КМ Icebreaker8 [2] АUT1-IСS OMBO DYNPOS-2 FF2WS EPP HELIDECK-H ANTI-ICE WINTERIZATION (-40) ECO-S Special Purpose Ship.
Icebreaker’s key characteristics: displacement – 22,258 t, LOA – 142.4 m, BOA - 29 m, draught – 8.5 m to 9.5 m, power - 25 MW, speed – about 17 knots, endurance - 60 days, icebreaking capability - 2 m, crew - 38.
Baltiysky Zavod OJSC (Saint-Petersburg) specializes in construction of rank 1 surface-crafts, ice class vessels with nuclear and diesel-electric propulsion plants, nuclear floating energy units, floating distilling plants.
The shipyard was set up in 1856. In its history Baltiysky Zavod which had built over 600 ships and vessels and was privatized several times and returned to state control when financial problems arose. In late 2011, the shipyard once more fell under the control of the state represented by the United Shipbuilding Corporation. To preserve the staff and the competence of the shipyard, USC founded Baltiysky Zavod – Sudostroyeniye LLC. The Company’s staff currently numbers 4,000 employees.
The backlog of orders of Baltiysky Zavod-Sudostroyeniye LLC is currently valued at about RUB 150 bln. The largest orders are: three 60-MWt nuclear icebreakers, 25-MWt diesel-electric icebreaker, floating power unit of the world’s first floating nuclear heat and power plant, engineering products. In 2015, the Company’s revenue totaled RUB 11.857 mln, net profit – RUB 1.229 mln, current assets – RUB 62.736 bln.
United Shipbuilding Corporation (USC OJSC) is the largest shipbuilding company in Russia. It was set up in 2007 with 100% federal ownership. The holding comprises 60 companies and organizations (major shipbuilding and shiprepairing companies as well as leading design bureaus). Currently, USC consolidates about 80% of the domestic shipbuilding complex. The Russian market is the main focus of the state corporation though it also exports its products to 20 countries worldwide.
Related links:
Rosmorrechflot estimates technical readiness of icebreaker Victor Chernomyrdin at 39.2% >>>>
Baltiysky Zavod to deliver 25MW icebreaker Victor Chernomyrdin (Project 22600) in late 2017 – early 2018 >>>>
