The Navy will launch a new search-and-rescue ship Tuesday at the Admiralty Shipyards in St. Petersburg, the Defense Ministry said.
Among the guests at the launch of the Igor Belousov will be Navy commander Viktor Chirkov, St. Petersburg Governor Georgy Poltavchenko and United Shipbuilding Corporation president Andrei Dyachkov, the ministry's press service told Interfax.
Construction started on the Igor Belousov on Dec. 24, 2005, but has faced several delays. The ship will undergo about two years of open-water trials before entering the naval fleet in 2014, Interfax said.
Among the ship's equipment will be two deepwater submarines built by Scottish firm DIVEX, RIA-Novosti reported in May, citing the Defense Ministry. The ARS-600 two-seat submersibles are designed to assist submarines in distress and conduct other search-and-rescue operations.
The Navy currently uses British-built Panther Plus and Tiger submersibles, RIA-Novosti said.
The Igor Belousov has a displacement of 5,037 tons, a top speed of 15 knots and a range of 3,500 nautical miles, Interfax said. It will be operated by 96 sailors and can carry 120 additional people, including 60 in cabins.
Related articles:
A Message from The Moscow Times:
Dear readers,
We are facing unprecedented challenges. Russia's Prosecutor General's Office has designated The Moscow Times as an "undesirable" organization, criminalizing our work and putting our staff at risk of prosecution. This follows our earlier unjust labeling as a "foreign agent."
These actions are direct attempts to silence independent journalism in Russia. The authorities claim our work "discredits the decisions of the Russian leadership." We see things differently: we strive to provide accurate, unbiased reporting on Russia.
We, the journalists of The Moscow Times, refuse to be silenced. But to continue our work, we need your help.
Your support, no matter how small, makes a world of difference. If you can, please support us monthly starting from just $2. It's quick to set up, and every contribution makes a significant impact.
By supporting The Moscow Times, you're defending open, independent journalism in the face of repression. Thank you for standing with us.
Remind me later.
