Kingisepp Machine-Building Plant (KMZ) launched a new model of a patrol boat, which will occupy the niche of a universal port transport vehicle. The vessel has already begun sea trials and demonstrated a key feature – the ability to operate in cold weather and not be afraid of light ice.
The basis of the design is an aluminum hull with a special geometry. Unlike traditional fiberglass boats, it is designed for operation in slush ice and crushed ice conditions, which makes it especially in demand in ports with a long winter period. The necessary rescue equipment is located on board. Its functionality ranges from transporting personnel and cargo to patrolling waters and participating in search and rescue operations.
In essence, the plant has created a workhorse for raid service that is not afraid of sub-zero temperatures and can be operated year-round. For nuclear icebreakers and the port fleet, this reduces the load on the main equipment when performing secondary tasks: where an icebreaker is overkill, and an ordinary boat is useless, the new vessel fills the gap.
