Russia: Oka Shipyard Launches Dry-Cargo Vessel Kapitan Afanasyev

On September 11, 2011 seventh dry-cargo vessel of RSD44 “Kapitan Afanasyev” of RSD44 with deadweight in river about 5540 tons of “Volga max” class was launched at Oka Shipyard. OJSC “Volzhsk Shipping Company” is a Customer. Vessels of the series that were put into operation earlier “Kapitan Ruzmankin”, “Kapitan Zagryadtsev”, “Kapitan Krasnov”, “Kapitan Gudovich” and “Kapitan Sergeev”are being operated by Volga Shipping Company for transportation of bulk cargoes.

It should be noted that the RSD44 series set up not record only of building velocity but also of river deadweight at draught of 3.60 m (5540 tons according to inclining test of the head vessel and weighting test of the second vessel) and the maximal trial speed (average speed downstream and against stream was more than 12 knots).

It is supposed to build 10 vessels of RSD44 project in series on first stage. These vessels are assigned to replace today basic dry-cargo river fleet, i.e. vessels of “Volga-Don” and “Volzhskiy” types.

Vessel’s project (RSD44) is designed by the Marine Engineering Bureau. Russian River Register class notation of the project is of O-PR 2,0 (Ice 20) A.

RSD44 prj. new dry-cargo vessels of “Volga-Max” class (waterline length is of 138.9 m, breadth is of 16.5 m, depth is of 5 m, coamings height is of 2.20 m) are assigned for transportation of general, bulk, timber and saw timber, grain, coal, sulfur, paper, building materials, metal production, potash and mineral fertilizer, large-sized cargoes, and also up to 140 containers through internal water ways of Russian Federation.

Deadweight in river is about 5543 t with draught of 3.60 m, deadweight at sea is about 5562 t with draught of 3.53 m. Cargo hold capacity is of 7090 cub.m.

Operation of vessels is also provided through Volga-Don Shipping Canal (VDSC), Volga-Balt Canal, Sea of Azov up to port of the Caucasus and in Gulf of Finland. Passage under Neva bridges in Saint-Petersburg region and under Rostov Railway bridge is supposed to be done without bridges drawing (maximal permissible air draught is of 5.4m for bridges’ passing).

RSD44 prj. vessels’ dimensions (overall length of 139.99 m, overall breadth of 16.8 m) allow to provide operations through VDSC, including “old” branch of Kochetovsk lock without “special steering” procedures.

Double bottom and double sides which cover all length of “box-shaped” cargo holds (holds’ sizes: hold N1 37.8 m x 13.2 m x 6.22 m, hold N2 49.8 m x 13.2 m x 6.22 m) and fuel oil, lubricating oil and drain tanks allow to provide convenience of cargo loading and unloading, high operational reliability of vessel, and also secure environmental protection and decrease of risks which are linked with environmental pollution in vessels’ operation region.

Propulsion plant consists of two full-circle rudder propellers (FCRP). FCRP unite features of propulsion device and control means in single complex which allows significantly improve manoeuvring capabilities of vessel in restricted river conditions. Two 1200 kWt medium-speed diesels which use heavy fuel oil are foreseen as main engines.

Vessels’ hull form has been made as much as possible technologic to ensure low cost of hull works. Meanwhile hull form is rather sea-going and optimal for fuel economy for required work conditions at river class O-PR. Hull form provides cruising speed 10.5 knots.

For providing sufficient view of water surface from wheel house it is located at the fore end. Vessel’s operation is carried out by side control panels while passing narrow waters and locking. These panels are mounted onto open deck of each side in deckhouse area.

Vessels are equipped with the 120 kWt bow thruster of the “screw in a tube” type for free passing narrow parts of rivers with small turning radius.

In connection with necessity to provide ability of passage under Neva bridges and Rostov Railway bridge without their drawing single-tier living deckhouse was foreseen in aft part of vessels. All necessary conditions for comfortable crew staying onboard including developed system of climate-control, usage of non-vibrating and noise-protection indoor coverings are provided.

Crew consists of 8 persons. Block-cabins are prepared for Master and Chief Engineer and single cabins are prepared for other crewmembers.

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Source: meb, September 14, 2011;