HEAD OF ROSHYDROMET IGOR SHUMAKOV VISITED JSC “ADMIRALTY SHIPYARDS”

Igor Shumakov, head of Roshydromet, paid a working visit to JSC “Admiralty Shipyards”. At the meeting with Alexander Buzakov, general director of the enterprise, the parties discussed the progress in construction of ice-resistant self-propelled platform "North Pole", which is ready by now for more than 90%.

During the visit Igor Shumakov inspected the part of the vessel’s engine room, where commissioning of auxiliary diesel-generators was performed, as well as the ECR room, which was also at the stage of the commissioning works.

At the moment, front auxiliary diesel-generators are started up onboard of the platform. In January of 2022, the specialists of JSC “Admiralty Shipyards” together with the representatives of the contractor, plan to continue commissioning of auxiliary diesel-generators and other works in compliance with the harbour trials program. As for today thermal oil boilers, fuel and oils separators have passed the commissioning stage. According to the harbour trials program, the works related to anchoring, towing and mooring devices are still in progress.

The contract between JSC “Admiralty Shipyards” and Roshydromet for construction of ice-resistant self-propelled platform was signed in April of 2018. The vessel was laid on the 10th of April, 2019. The hull is being built as part of the state program for social and economic development of the Arctic region of the Russian Federation.

The ice-resistant self-propelled platform "North Pole” has the functionality of a R&D center designed to carry out year-round complex scientific research in the high latitudes of the Arctic Ocean. The vessel is capable to conduct oceanographic, acoustic, geophysical and geological observations, move in ice without engaging of icebreakers and take onboard heavy helicopters of type MI-8 AMT (Mi-17). The platform will provide for comfortable and safe working and living conditions at the polar station at temperatures down to -50° and air humidity 85%.

The main tactical and technical characteristics of the platform: length – 83.1 m, breadth – 22.5 m; displacement – approx. 10390 tons; propulsion plant capacity – 4200 kW; speed – minimum 10 knots; hull strength – Arc8; sea endurance by fuel load – approx. 2 years; service life – minimum 25 years; crew – 14 people; research staff members – 34 people. Ice-resistant self-propelled platform "North Pole” is being built for class of the Russian Maritime Register of Shipping: KM (*) Arc5[1] AUT1-C HELIDECK-F Special purpose ship.