Construction of a series of Arc4 class icebreaking fire-fighting tugs has started at the Zhenjiang Huigang Machinery Equipment (HGC) shipyard in Yangzhou, China.
The vessels, designed under the supervision of the Russian Maritime Register of Shipping (RS), are intended for mooring operations, marine rescue and operation in Arctic ice conditions. The steel cutting ceremony was attended by representatives of RS, HGC management and industry partners.
The new tugs will be equipped with azimuth stern drive units providing a bollard pull of up to 60 tons. The KM Arc4 class confirms the possibility of operation in ice up to 0.8 meters thick. The design meets fire safety standards (FF3WS) and includes a dynamic positioning system (AUT1). Technical supervision of the project is carried out by RS engineers in China.
Arctic tugs with an ice-strengthened hull are critical for the safe passage of ships along the Northern Sea Route, where cargo traffic is growing annually. The introduction of azimuth thrusters increases maneuverability in narrow port waters, and fire-fighting systems reduce environmental risks.
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