VESSEL REVIEW | Vladimir Makarov – Buoy tender built for Russia’s inland waterways

Rechvodput, an inland waterway transport agency of the Russian government, has taken delivery of a new ice-capable buoy tender built for operation in both riverine and coastal environments.

Named Vladimir Makarov, the vessel will take on various duties including installation and maintenance of aids to navigation, towing of barges of up to 250 tonnes each, harbour supply, and transport of a broad range of cargo with the exception of hazardous goods, oil products, and small vehicles with internal combustion engines. In fulfilling these roles, the vessel can undertake sustained operations thanks in part to its maximum endurance of six days.

The newbuild has an LOA of 35.6 metres, a beam of 6.48 metres, a maximum draught of 1.4 metres, a displacement of 154.5 tonnes, and space for 10 crewmembers. Two YaMZ-536 diesel engines that each produce 220 kW at 2,100 rpm drive Fluidmecanica tunnel thrusters with fixed-pitch propellers to deliver a speed of just under 13 knots. The stainless steel of the propellers also provides improved resistance to impact from broken ice, driftwood, rocks, and other types of small debris.

Fluidmecanica also supplied the vessel's electro-hydraulic steering system. An ice belt and other reinforcements are fitted to protect the hull during winter sailings.

The onboard systems draw power from two 33kW diesel generators.

Fitted on the spacious aft deck are a Palfinger Marine knuckle boom crane for loading and unloading of buoys and other cargo as well as a towing hook with a six-tonne capacity plus two tension drums.

The wheelhouse provides the bridge crew with improved 360-degree visibility. The wheelhouse windows also have their own heating systems to allow for operations in winter. The accommodation spaces include cabins, a galley, a mess, and a toilet with shower. All interior spaces are heated using dedicated radiators.

The vessel also has two 10-person liferafts and an 11-metre crewboat/tender supplied by Scout Boats.

Vladimir Makarov is the first of a planned 10 Project 3052 buoy tenders to be built for Rechvodput. All vessels in the order will be delivered to the operator by the fourth quarter of 2022.

Design work on Vladimir Makarov was carried out by the Gorky Central Design Bureau in compliance to Russian River Register rules that cover navigation in fine broken surface ice of up to 20 centimetres in thickness. The design also ensures reduced maintenance requirements compared to earlier vessels, as there are a limited number of dedicated repair facilities along Russia's inland waterways.

Construction of all vessels in the series is ongoing at four Russian shipyards with Saint Petersburg-based the MT Group serving as the general contractor. In the case of Vladimir Makarov and two other sisters, construction took place at the Nizhny Novgorod facilities of R-Flot Shipbuilding Complex due to its close proximity to the planned area of operations that encompasses the Moscow Canal and the Upper Volga River. The seven other Project 3052 vessels are also being built near their respective areas of operations.

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