Russia's Admiralty Shipyards has begun conducting builder's sea trials of a new Project 00903 ice-resistant research vessel ordered by the country's Federal Hydrometeorology and Environmental Monitoring Service.
Once in service, the 83-metre Severnyy Polyus will be used to carry out year-round comprehensive scientific research in the northern portions of the Arctic Ocean. Missions will include geological, acoustic, geophysical, and oceanographic research.
The sea trials carried out in the Gulf of Finland included verification of navigation certificates for communication and navigation systems. Shipyard personnel also assessed the operation of the auxiliary diesel generators, the main diesel engine, service systems, and auxiliary boilers as high-speed sailing and manoeuvring tests were conducted.
