Text: Southern Military District Press Service
Photo: Project 705B harbor tug RB-10. i-mash.ru
New harbor tug RB-10 has successfully passed first qualification trial under supervision of Caspian Flotilla (CF) Auxiliary Fleet Commander Capt 3 rank Dmitry Ryndin.
The tug's crew has effectively practiced damage control activities, carried out fuel and food replenishment drills. Later on, CF mariners will improve towage skills in literal sea zone.
Harbor tug RB-10 joined the flotilla in Nov 2011. Main advantages of the ship are perfect seaworthiness and capability to navigate in shallow waters of the Volga River, Volga-Caspian Canal, and northern part of the Caspian Sea thanks to shallow draft (2.8 meters). Two 800-shp mighty engines make possible to tow any vessel.
This river/sea class ship was specially designed for the Caspian Sea and the Volga estuary; she is equipped with up-to-date equipment, GLONASS navigational system, communication and automated control systems.
It is planned to commission third ship of this project into Caspian Flotilla in 2012.