Cathelco Supplies Pipework Anti-Fouling Systems for Six Russian Frigates

Cathelco are supplying seawater pipework anti-fouling systems for six frigates which are being built for the Russian Navy’s Black Sea Fleet by the Yantar Shipyard in Kaliningrad.

The keel of the first warship, the Admiral Grigorovich, was laid down in 2010 and delivery of all of the vessels is scheduled between 2014 and 2016.

The Project 11356 frigates are designed for anti-surface and anti-submarine warfare. Each of the vessels has a displacement of 4,000 tons, a speed of up to 30 knots and a crew of 193.

“We have been supplying equipment to the Russian Navy since the 1990s but this is the largest order that we have received for pipework anti-fouling systems for a series of warships”, said Justin Salisbury, managing director of Cathelco Ltd.

The orders have been won through Marine Bridge & Navigation Systems, Cathelco’s well established Russian agent based in St Petersburg.

The Cathelco anti-fouling systems will protect the seawater pipework systems on the vessels against blockages caused by barnacles and mussels.

Because the warships have cupro-nickel pipework, pairs of copper and ferrous anodes will be installed in a total of eight seachests on each ship. The anodes are supplied with an electric current from control panels. In operation, the copper anodes produce ions which create an environment where barnacles and mussels do not settle or breed.

At the same time, the ferrous anodes produce ions which create a protective oxide layer on the internal surfaces of pipes to suppress corrosion.

Cathelco are world leading manufacturers of seawater pipework anti-fouling systems with a record of over 30,000 installations over a period of more than 50 years. This includes the supply of systems for over 40 navies around the world.

“The effectiveness of the system has been proved on numerous types of naval vessels from submarines, fast patrol craft and frigates to the new Queen Elizabeth Class aircraft carriers which are currently under construction for the Royal Navy”, Mr Salisbury explained.

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Cathelco, October 31, 2013; Image: Yantar Shipyard