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Russian register builds on Arctic expertise

Construction of multi-purpose ice- ▲▲Ice-breaking multifunctional supply vessels serviced by vessels of the 70201 and 71014 breaking supply vessels is one of the current being built at Vyborg under RS survey project model. In case of emergency, the trends in the implementation of modern vessels can provide comprehensive measures oil & gas projects in the Arctic and other projects in the Russian Federation, including for environmental protection and safety of freezing seas. Such vessels are equipped to the Arctic and the Far East regions. Several platform crew. In addition, a series of the perform ice-breaking operations, tanker series of such vessels have already been built. 71024 project model vessels, which can escorting and fire-fighting assistance, and Two diesel-electric ice-breaking supply accommodate up to 70 people under normal to participate in rescue operations and oil vessels of Aleksandr Sannikov type have been operational conditions, is also successfully spill response activities, ensuring better built to RS class for the Novy Port Project at operating at Sakhalin-1 and 2. servicing of offshore oil & gas fields as well Vyborg Shipyard. The design concept of ice- Today, construction of such vessels to as allowing a reduction in the quantity of breaking supply vessels with three azimuth RS class continues. Ob, intended service fleet units without decreasing the thrusters, designated Ice Class Icebreaker8 for operation at port, is currently range of activities performed. (one of the highest Ice classes according at the final stage of construction at Vyborg The Russian Maritime Register of Shipping to RS classification) is intended to ensure Shipyard. The icebreaker is equipped with (RS) is recognised for its expertise in technical high ice-breaking capacity – uninterrupted two Azipod-type azimuth propulsion units in supervision of such vessels. RS continues to operation in continuous ice of 2m thickness the bow and two units in the stern. rapidly expand its activities in this area by – and good manoeuvrability. The equipment High automation class ensures operation carrying out scientific research, constantly is designed for operation at temperatures as of the machinery installation, so the crew developing and improving the requirements, low as -50 degrees C. A relatively moderate do not need to be in the engine room at all contributing to the implementation of new draft provides free manoeuvring, even taking times, and the vessel can be controlled by technologies and engineering solutions, thus into account shallow water and shoals in the one officer from the bridge. In addition, placing greater focus on efficiency, safety, area. reinforced Ice Class supply vessels of project environment and risk assessment. On the continental shelf of the Sea of model IBSV 10022, intended for operation Provision is made for construction of supply Okhotsk and Sakhalin Island, within the in the high-latitude oil & gas fields, are vessels under the RS technical supervision Sakhalin-1 and Sakhalin-2 oil & gas projects, under construction at Zvezda Shipbuilding within almost all the offshore oil & gas shelf the oil production facilities are successfully Complex. Guidelines drawn up for walk-to work offshore access Classification society Bureau Veritas has over more traditional personnel transfer The classification society adds that safety developed guidelines for walk-to-work methods such as personnel basket or capsule issues and critical components, which differ (W2W) motion compensated offshore lifts, step-over from high speed crew transfer from one category to the other, require access systems (OASs) which are used to vessels and helicopter transfers. special attention to ensure safe and reliable transfer industrial personnel to and from “We see a lot of new vessel types emerging operation. offshore installations. with these motion-compensated gangways ▼▼A W2W motion compensated OAS being used Its Guidance Note NI629 Certification of and it is imperative that the industry has a by Acta Marine’s Acta Orion Image: Acta Marine Offshore Access Systems provides a clear standard against which to assess their safety and comprehensive overview of the safety and to help develop safe new designs.” principles and technical requirements for Bureau Veritas says two different offshore the design, manufacturing and operation of access technologies have emerged: passive reliable and dependable equipment for the transfer gangways, which are first connected safe transfer of personnel at sea. to the offshore installation and then put in Matthieu de Tugny, senior vice president free-flow mode for personnel transfer, and and head of offshore at Bureau Veritas, said: active transfer gangways which remain “Walk-to-work OASs can provide significant motion compensated during personnel safety, operability and/or cost advantages transfer.

72 International Tug & OSV, July/August 2019 www.tugandosv.com