What Crew Members Say About Baltika

The Baltika, an engineering marvel and the world's first icebreaker with an asymmetric hull design, recently showcased its remarkable capabilities during extensive ice trials in the Arctic. Developed by Aker Arctic, this icebreaking escort vessel is specifically engineered to navigate icy waters efficiently, whether moving forward, in reverse, or even sideways. This unique sideways maneuver is particularly beneficial for creating navigable channels for larger vessels that exceed the icebreaker's manageable width. After its launch last year, Baltika set sail from Murmansk on March 20, 2015, embarking on rigorous maneuvers alongside the Aker Arctic team. The journey took the crew around the northern tip of Novaya Zemlya and across the icy expanse of the Kara Sea to the Gulf of Ob, where crucial tests were conducted near the Sabetta terminal site.

The Federal Marine and River Transport Agency, known as Rosmorrechflot, has officially inducted the multipurpose emergency and rescue vessel, Baltika, into its fleet. This significant event took place on December 30, 2014, as representatives of Rosmorrechflot’s Sea Rescue Service completed the acceptance process. The Baltika, classified under project Р-70202 and registered at Big Port St. Petersburg, is designated for operation by the FBI Sea Rescue Service of Rosmorrechflot. The construction of this groundbreaking icebreaker was commissioned by the FGI Directorate of the State Contracting Authority for the Marine Transport Development Programme, part of the overarching federal initiative, “Development of Russia’s Transport System (2010-2020).” The innovative design stems from a collaborative effort between Shipyard Yantar in Russia’s Kaliningrad region and Finland's Arctech Helsinki Shipyard Inc., where the icebreaker was ultimately built. What sets the Baltika apart is its status as the world’s first icebreaking vessel with an asymmetric hull, featuring a patented oblique design complemented by three 360-degree rotating propulsors. This sophisticated design enables the vessel to maneuver effectively in multiple directions, including sideways and astern. In its oblique mode, the Baltika is capable of creating a navigation channel 50 meters wide in ice measuring 0.6 meters thick, and can operate in ice up to 1 meter thick at both the bow and stern. Here are some key specifications of the Baltika: - Length: 76.4 meters - Overall Breadth: 20.5 meters - Depth: 9 meters - Maximum Draught: 7 meters - Propulsion Power: 7.5 MW - Maximum Speed: 14 knots - Speed in 1.0 m thick flat ice: 3.0 knots - Crew Capacity: 24 personnel, plus 12 special personnel - Sea Endurance: 20 days (for 24 individuals) The icebreaker holds a wide range of class notations, including KM Icebreaker6, AUT1-ICS, OMBO, FF3WS, EPP, DYNPOS-1, ECO-S, as well as capabilities for oil recovery and salvage operations. The keel of the Baltika was laid on June 6, 2012, marking the beginning of its journey to enhance maritime safety and rescue operations in challenging ice conditions. This vessel represents a significant advancement in icebreaking technology and maritime operations for Russia.

On May 21, 2014, the innovative multipurpose emergency and rescue vessel BALTIKA, crafted under project Р-70202, made its arrival at the Baltic Shipbuilding Plant, also known as Yantar. This groundbreaking icebreaker, the first of its kind with an asymmetric hull design capable of operating sideways, was developed through a collaboration between Kaliningrad shipbuilders and their Finnish partners. BALTIKA was transported to Kaliningrad via two tugboats after completing fitting-out and testing procedures at Arctech Helsinki Shipyard. Following its arrival at Yantar, a delivery certificate is expected to be ratified shortly, facilitating the vessel's handover to the Federal Marine and River Transport Agency of Russia in Saint Petersburg, the official customer. The contract for the construction of BALTIKA was finalized on November 9, 2011, with the ship's keel laid in Kaliningrad on June 6, 2012. Yantar Shipyard was tasked as the principal contractor for the hull construction, which was successfully completed in May 2013, after which the icebreaker underwent additional fitting-out in Finland. Ultimately, BALTIKA was launched to great anticipation on December 12, 2013, marking a significant achievement in maritime innovation.