Two new research vessels (RV, Project 123) for unlimited navigation, "Akademik A.P. Lisitsyn" and "Akademik V.I. Ilyichev", which are being built at the Zvezda Shipbuilding Complex (SSK Zvezda) shipyard, will be delivered by 2030. This was stated by the head of the Ministry of Education and Science, Valery Falkov.
We expect to receive the first vessel within the next two years. And subsequently, the second vessel will also be delivered by 2030.
Project 123 was developed by specialists from the Lazurit Central Design Bureau. The RV "Akademik A.P. Lisitsyn" was laid down at the Primorsky enterprise in 2021. The keel of the "Akademik V.I. Ilyichev" was laid the following year. The customer is the Russian Ministry of Education and Science. The contract value exceeded 27.3 billion rubles.
Characteristics of the Project 123 vessels under construction:
- Cruising range — over 7.5 thousand miles
- Speed — at least 15 knots
- Autonomy — up to 50 days
- Vessel class — Arc5 (breaks ice up to 0.8 m thick)
The RVs were planned to be commissioned in 2025. However, the pace of construction slowed down due to the refusal of European suppliers to transfer key equipment to Russia.
Falkov stated that SSK Zvezda continues the construction of two RVs. According to the minister, one of the vessels is on the slipway and will be launched soon.
All necessary support systems are provided. This is unique scientific equipment.
In August, Falkov visited the Primorsky shipyard and monitored the work on the RVs. He was informed that the vessels would be equipped with advanced equipment for comprehensive research of the World Ocean, including the Arctic seas and Antarctica.
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