The Shirshov Institute of Oceanology of the Russian Academy of Sciences and the Almaz Central Marine Design Bureau are discussing the composition of a new scientific fleet that needs to be created to solve key problems of marine science. In the coming years, it will be enough for Russia to build about ten scientific vessels of various specializations and displacements to ensure its interests in the World Ocean.
The construction of an Arc7 class scientific icebreaker with a displacement of about 9 thousand tons, capable of operating in difficult ice conditions of the Arctic and Antarctic, is planned. Two large multi-functional research vessels based on the "Akademik Sergey Vavilov" and "Akademik Ioffe" are also being discussed, as well as a number of medium-tonnage and small-tonnage vessels, including vessels for operation in the Caspian and Black Seas. The latter are especially important for studying the shallowing of the Caspian Sea.
The Institute and the Almaz Design Bureau have already signed an agreement on cooperation in the design and construction of new scientific vessels. Regular research in the Arctic, Antarctic and other regions of the World Ocean is necessary to preserve the right to develop natural resources — hydrocarbon, rare earth and biological, as well as to protect marine ecosystems and understand climate change.
The average age of existing scientific vessels is 38 years. Maintaining their operability is becoming increasingly difficult due to age, sanctions restrictions and rising costs. Therefore, the construction of a new scientific fleet is becoming a priority task for the country in the coming years.
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