The Nevsky Shipyard and Ship Repair Plant launched the medium-sized sea tanker Project 23130 "Alexey Shein", intended for the Russian Navy. The vessel became the largest ship in the history of the United Shipbuilding Corporation enterprise.
The solemn ceremony was attended by representatives of the Main Command of the Russian Navy, the plant's management, and invited guests.
The vessel was named in honor of the first Russian Generalissimo Alexey Semenovich Shein — one of Peter I's closest associates, who participated in the Crimean and Azov campaigns, as well as in the creation of the first Russian naval harbor in Taganrog.
The main feature of the tanker is its ability to perform complex supply of ships directly at sea without entering port and without mooring to another vessel. It is capable of receiving, storing, and transferring liquid and dry cargo, including fuel and materials for ship groups.
The cargo transfer system allows simultaneous refueling of up to three ships located at a distance of 50 to 100 meters from the tanker. Transfer can be performed both alongside and astern.
The tanker received ice reinforcement of Arc 4 class, which allows it to operate independently in Arctic regions with sparse first-year ice up to 0.8 meters thick in the summer-autumn period and up to 0.6 meters in winter and spring.
Tankers of this project have become the largest vessels ever launched at the Nevsky Shipyard and Ship Repair Plant. The new ship will expand the capabilities of the Russian fleet to supply naval formations in distant sea areas and in difficult climatic conditions.