Three research vessels (NES) of the Arctic and Antarctic Research Institute (AANII) are scheduled to undergo a comprehensive technical inspection for compliance with safety requirements in 2027. This was stated by Alexander Nesterov, head of the institute's fleet department.

In the summer of 2027, NES "Akademik Tryoshnikov" (Project 22280) and "Akademik Fyodorov" (Project 758) are to be dry-docked, followed by the ice-resistant self-propelled platform (LSP) "Severny Polyus" (Project 00903). For research vessels, dry-docking with the removal of propeller shafts for their defect detection, repair, and subsequent presentation to inspectors of the Russian Maritime Register of Shipping (RS) is mandatory.

According to Nesterov, there is a problem with replacing stern tube seals. These are components of the ship's shaft line that seal the point where the propeller shaft exits the hull and protect against ingress of seawater.

The AANII management plans to announce a tender for the design and manufacture of stern tube seals. The contractor must complete this work within 8 months, Nesterov added.

The institute believes that Russian shipyards will handle the repair of all three vessels. However, not every shipbuilding organization has the necessary production capacities, Nesterov noted.

Previously, AANII repaired its fleet in Germany, Finland, Turkey, South Africa, and Dubai. If the institute does not receive proposals from domestic shipbuilders, it may consider cooperation with foreign shipyards, he concluded.