Archtec has launched Baltika, the first-ever sideways operating icegoing vessel. The vessel uses new type of innovative technology that allows it to operate sideways, astern and ahead.

Baltika will be used in icebreaking, rescue and oil combatting operations in the Gulf of Finland. According to Arctech, the vessels oil recovery system is suitable for operation also in heavy waves.

Baltika was ordered by the Russian Federal Agency of Sea and River Transport, and will be operated by the Russian Marine Emergency Rescue Service.

— I believe this vessel will be the benchmark when developing and building innovative Arctic vessels, says Managing Director of Arctech Helsinki Shipyard, Esko Mustamäki.

The vessel is being built at the Helsinki shipyard in co-operation with Kaliningrad based Shipyard Yantar JSC, which has produced the blocks of the vessel. Baltika features an asymmetric hull, patented oblique design, and three 360 degrees rotating propulsions which allows the vessel to operate sideways.

Arctech Helsinki Shipyard specializes in arctic shipbuilding technology, building icebreakers and other Arctic offshore and special vessels. Arctech is a joint-venture, which is 50/50 owned by STX Finland Oy and Russian United Shipbuilding Corporation.

Source:

www.goodnewsfinland.com/archive/news/arctech-launches-first-ever-sideways-operating-icebreaking-vessel