VESSEL REVIEW | Sapfir – New patrol boat to operate in Siberia’s inland waters

Russian shipyard Kingisepp Machine-Building Plant has delivered a new aluminium patrol boat to the Sea and River Transport Agency of the city of Irkutsk in Siberia. Named Sapfir ("Sapphire"), the vessel will be operated primarily in Siberia's Angara River and Lake Baikal. Duties will include patrols and search and rescue (SAR).

The newbuild belongs to the Project 04190 series of patrol boats. It has a length of 13.5 metres, a beam of 3.7 metres, a displacement of 8.2 tonnes, and space for up to 12 people including crewmembers. The vessel's design is suited for operation in the northern latitudes even in waters that are covered with fine broken ice or ice sludge during days of mild winter.

Features include a fully air-conditioned cabin with liveaboard accommodations for up to three people, a dynamic positioning system, an electronic mooring control system, joystick manoeuvring controls, and safety rails to facilitate vessel transfers and embarkation/disembarkation via the bow. Among the vessel's electronics are a radar and displays supplied by Raymarine.

The accommodation spaces also include a galley, a mess, and a toilet with shower.

Two Volvo Penta engines that each produce 283 kW deliver a maximum speed of 40 knots even at full load. A total fuel tank capacity of 1,200 litres will allow sailings for up to 217 nautical miles.

The patrol boat is both rail- and road-transportable, providing the operator with multiple options for rapid deployment of the vessel to critical areas within its area of responsibility.

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