Almaz Marine Yard Launched Tenth Sobol-Class Boat

12.04.2012 On Apr 12, JSC Almaz Marine Yard launched Project 12200 Sobol fast-speed boat (serial number 214) built for Russian FSB Coast Guard. This is tenth boat of the project constructed by St. Petersburg shipwrights both for Russian FSB Frontier Service and for export.

Addressing the solemn meeting, the shipyard's Director General Viktor M. Ivanov pointed out that Almaz shipbuilders had fully mastered high-volume production of those advanced fast-speed patrol craft. "This is the tenth boat built by Almaz. All of them are effectively used by maritime frontiersmen at different regions, and two boats were built for export. The vessel launched today will serve in the Far East and secure APEC-2012 Summit, and number 213 will serve in the Black Sea", said Viktor Ivanov.

Presidential Envoy Assistant to Northwestern Federal District Sergei M. Makeyev thanked the shipyard's employees for timely completed new patrol boat and wished them success. Quality control officer at JSC Almaz Marine Yard Capt 2 rank Yury V. Ovcharov addressed to the shipwrights with thanks: "The crew will arrive on April 15-th. I'm sure the boat will pass all trials without a hitch. Hats off to shipbuilders!"

The project manager Nikolai A. Kovalev reported to the yard's director that the boat was ready for launching. Having gained approval, he ordered to launch the vessel afloat.

Sponsor of the boat – director general's assistant Ludmila Matveyeva – smashed a traditional bottle of champagne at the stern with cheers of the shipyard staff.

Patrol boat No. 214 is the last vessel of this project built for Russian Federal Security Service (FSB). Lead boat was constructed by Almaz Marine Yard in 2006; two Sobols (serial numbers 202 and 203) were handed over to Turkmenistan Navy in 2009.

When the sea trials program is over in June, the boat No. 214 will be delivered to Vladivostok by a transport ship. Patrol boat No. 213 launched into Malaya Neva River on Apr 11 after wintering in the shipyard's workshop will perform qualification drill and then head for Novorossiysk via inland waterways in May or June 2012.

Project 12200 Sobol was developed by the Almaz Central Design Bureau (St. Petersburg). Hull and deck erection are made from high-strength aluminum alloy. All equipment and materials meet the highest international standards for fast-speed craft. To improve navigability and increase speed, Sobol-class boats are equipped with bow and stern automatic interceptors.

Length of the boat is about 28 meters; beam is 5.8 meters; full displacement is about 60 tons; max speed is 50 knots; endurance with passengers on board is 3 days; complement is 9 men; armament is 14.5-mm pedestal machine gun mount.