Latest addition to Russia’s Arctic fleet

The high-tech icebreaker Alexander Sannikov has become the latest addition to Russia’s Arctic fleet. Commissioned by Gazprom Neft, the vessel was built to support tankers going from the Novoportovskoye field along the North Sea route, helping to ensure year-round supplies of Arctic oil to global markets.

Gazprom Neft is currently the only oil company operating on the Russian Arctic Shelf. The Alexander Sannikov is its first icebreaker to be built under the ‘Arctic Time’ programme. Six tankers have already been launched and operate under the programme, currently transporting oil from Novy Port.

Gazprom Neft plans to establish its own tanker and icebreaker fleet. Alexander Dyukov, CEO, comments: ‘Our estimates indicate that demand for the North Sea route transportation will increase by one third by 2030. Establishing our own Arctic fleet will enable us to maintain our leadership in the Russian Arctic in the long term. Following the launch of the Alexander Sannikov, the construction of the Andrey Vilkitsky, our second high-tech icebreaker is near completion.’

The Alexander Sannikov is equipped with the latest dynamic positioning and integrated control systems. It can operate independently for 30 days in extreme temperatures, with temperatures as low as –50ºC. Onboard computers ensure the uninterrupted regulation of essential services and living conditions, activate oscillators, synchronise equipment, manage emergency response, and control the temperature as well as all of the technological processes on deck. Digitalised controls have enhanced the efficiency of crew operations – fulfilling similar functions on other icebreakers requires twice as many team members, according to Gazprom Neft.

The vessel is reported to have record ice-breaking capability, comparable to nuclear icebreakers. This advantage is made possible by the unique shape of the hull as well as three ‘Azipod’ azimuth thrusters, which can rotate 360º and are located in the stern and bow. Conventional icebreakers crash into the ice, breaking it down through their sheer weight. The Alexander Sannikov uses external screws and the hull to cut through the ice and effectively ‘mill’ it, allowing the vessel a greater degree of manoeuvrability.

With its own fire station, hospital, helicopter pad, emergency lifeboats, powerful winch and crane with a lifting capacity of 26 tonnes, the vessel’s functionality exceeds that of most icebreakers currently in operation, reports Gazprom Neft. Furthermore, in addition to supporting tankers, it can independently transport freight, act as a towing vessel, and be involved in rescue operations.

The Novoportovskoye field is one of the most significant oil and gas condensate fields in the Yamal Peninsula currently under development. It is located some 30 km from the coast of the Gulf of Ob. Recoverable C1 and C2 reserves are estimated at more than 250mn tonnes of oil and gas condensate, as well as more than 320bn cm of gas.

Photo: Gazprom Neft