SSBN Yekaterinburg Arrived at Zvezdochka Shipyard for Repairs

25.06.2012 Nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarine (SSBN) Yekaterinburg which suffered severe fire late 2011 has arrived in Severodvinsk for repairs on Friday, June 22, reports Interfax.

SSBN Yekaterinburg will be repaired by Zvezdochka Ship Repair Center. According to representatives of the shipyard, at first experts of Zvezdochka will carry out examination and troubleshooting of the submarine and then will begin technical recovery activities. In particular, it is planned to repair sonar system seriously damaged by fire.

Repair works are expected to finish in 2014. After that, the sub's service life will be prolonged up to 2019.

The fire happened to SSBN Yekaterinburg late in Dec 2011 when the sub was under scheduled overhaul in Murmansk region. Nine persons suffered as a result of the 20-hour long firefighting operation.

Two criminal cases were initiated upon the fire on SSBN Yekaterinburg – excess of service power led to grievous consequences (Article 286/3, RF Criminal Code), and extermination or damage of military property by negligence (Article 347, RF Criminal Code).