Work on dredging the bottom of the Caspian Sea was recently completed. This allows ships of large displacement to make voyages, as well as relatively small ships, which can now be loaded to the maximum. As a result, the economic efficiency of the North-South corridor has increased.
Where else will it be used?
The constructed dry cargo ships are intended to be used not only in the Caspian Sea. The ships will sail on the country's inland waters, including the Volga-Don and Baltic canals.
The shortage of container ships in the Caspian Sea became especially acute after the introduction of sanctions. Photo: YouTube.comAnd also in seas with a restricted area of location R2 (distance from the coast no more than 100 miles, class “river - sea”).
The agreement on the formation of the North-South transport route was concluded back in 2000 between the Russian Federation, India, and Iran. The purpose of the agreement is to create transit to the EU through Russia from the Gulf states.
The development of RSD-81 was carried out by the St. Petersburg Maritime Bureau with the participation of the customer, the Ark company, which will operate the cargo ships.
About bulk carriers
A total of four vessels are planned to be built, delivery is expected next year, 2025. However, the order will not be limited to this: in the future, the company will produce ten similar transports by 2027. As a result, the plant named after. Lenin is busy with work for several years ahead: the opportunity has arisen to modernize equipment and create additional jobs. Each of the four vessels of this project has a length of 141 m (width is about 17 m): this is 9 m more than that of a dry cargo ship of a similar class, the Volgo-Don Max.
The superstructure is in front - better visibility. Photo: YouTube.comThe draft level in inland waters is 3,6 m, when sailing at sea - 5,348 m. The cargo holds of the dry cargo ship can accommodate cargo with a volume of up to 13 thousand 200 cubic meters or 160 twenty-foot TEU containers. If we add a deck here, their total number will increase to 385. The superstructure is located in the bow of the ship, which guarantees better visibility and allows for more convenient placement of long items (this can be done on bilge hatches).
The implementation of the RSD81 project is carried out with the support of the state - the transport leasing company (STLC) under the Russian Government Program for the construction of civil ships. Funds for 4 dry cargo ships have already been allocated in full.
A characteristic feature of these ships is their versatility. In addition to containers, ships are capable of transporting bulk cargo - for example, grain, coal. As well as steel coils, lumber and round timber. In addition, the ships are adapted to transport hazardous substances from the first to the ninth class. Such transportation will be carried out in accordance with the requirements of the International Code.
The number of containers can reach up to 385. Photo: YouTube.comThe construction of dry cargo ships is carried out under the supervision of specialists from the Russian Register of Shipping. A representative of RS, the head of the Astrakhan branch, was present at the laying down of the RSD81 project ships. Director of State Transport Leasing Company E. Dietrich previously stated that Russia is in dire need of container ships. To eliminate the deficit, it is planned to use funds from the National Welfare Fund. In total, it is planned to order 55 dry cargo ships related to projects RSD81, 00108, RSC80, as well as other universal river-sea class ships transporting both standard containers and bulk cargo. The last ship must be delivered no later than 2028.
