A Russian science vessel completes undergoing a service life extension as a new inland survey boat is launched for the first time. Construction is underway on an Indian Navy oceanographic ship that can also operate as a floating hospital. Finally, development work begins on a Chinese vessel to be used for deep-sea research and archaeological expeditions.
Refit completed on Russian ocean research vessel
An ocean research vessel owned by the Russian Academy of Sciences has completed undergoing a modernisation program to extend its service life by another 10 to 15 years.
The refit on the 1985-built Akademik Nikolay Strakhov began in 2022 and was concluded earlier this year. The vessel has also completed undergoing post-refit sea trials.
The modernisation included replacement of some of the scientific equipment and refurbishing of the berthing and laboratory spaces.
Russian yard launches new shallow-draught survey boat
Russian shipyard Nefteflot has floated out a new shallow-draught survey boat ordered by local operator Rechvodput.
The 24-metre Stvor belongs to the Project RDB 66.62 series of vessels designed for performing surveys of both inland and port waters. Design work on the boat was done by local engineering firm Stapel in compliance to Russian Maritime Register of Shipping and Russian River Register ice 20 rules.
Stvor is one of four Project RDB 66.62 vessels scheduled for delivery before the end of the year.
Future Indian Navy survey ship hits the water
India's Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers (GRSE) has launched the fourth large survey vessel (SVL) in a series that the company is building for the Indian Navy.
Once commissioned into service, the future INS Sanshodhak ("Researcher") will perform hydrographic surveys in both coastal and deep-water environments.
The vessel will have a length of 110 metres, a beam of 16 metres, and a displacement of 3,400 tonnes. Deck space will be available for four smaller survey craft and a helicopter.
Like its sisters in the GRSE-built Sandhayak-class, the future Sanshodhak will also be equipped to operate as a hospital ship if required.
Construction starts on Chinese archaeological vessel
Chinese shipbuilder CSSC Offshore and Marine Engineering Company (COMEC) has begun construction on a new multi-disciplinary research vessel for the Chinese Academy of Sciences.
Primary roles will include deep-sea research, polar area research, and maritime archaeological investigation.
The vessel will have a length of 103 metres, a displacement of 9,200 tonnes, a range of 15,000 nautical miles, and accommodations for 80 people. A PC4 ice-strengthened hull will enable icebreaking via the bow or the stern.
Design work is being undertaken in compliance to China Classification Society rules.
