SSN Nerpa will be delivered in December – Khabarovsk Governor

17.11.2009 Source: RIA Novosti

Nuclear-powered submarine (SSN) Nerpa built at Amur Shipyard will be delivered in time – in December 2009, said Vyacheslav Shport, the Governor of Khabarovsky Krai at Monday press conference.

During Nerpa's sea trials on Nov 8, 2008, freon released into compartments as a result of unauthorized operation of firefighting system LOH (submarine, volumetric, chemical). 20 died and 21 were intoxicated then. There were 208 men aboard in total.

Repeated builders sea trials of the submarine held in July 2009 were successful.

State tests of the submarine scheduled on Nov 15 were postponed on few days; after that the sub is to be handed over to the Navy.

"Delivery term remains the same – December 2009. There are no serious reasons to delay state tests; the preparation process is up to schedule", said Mr. Shport.

According to him, the submarine faces important state trials and there is no point to be in hurry. "It didn't start tests on November 15 but it will in the nearest future", said Shport.

As it was previously said, the submarine is supposed to be commissioned in Russia's Pacific Fleet in Dec 2009. According to media, Nerpa will be leased to India for 10 years after commission. Lease contract cost is $650 mln.

SSN Nerpa is a third generation submarine. Its displacement is 8,140/12,770 tonnes; maximum speed is 30 knots; maximum submergence depth is 600 meters; endurance is 100 days, crew is 73; armament includes four 533-mm torpedo tubes and four 650-mm torpedo tubes.