Soviets Award $120-Million Contract To Valmet For Two Arctic Cargo Ships

A contract has been signed between V /O Sudoimport of Moscow and Valmet Oy, under which Valmet Helsinki Shipyard will, in 1983-84, build two more Arctic 20,000-dwt multipurpose dry cargo vessels for service in the northern areas of the USSR. The value of the contract is nearly $120 million (U.S.).

Valmet's contracts with Sudoimport during the last three months total $350 million (U.S.) for 20 vessels including two barge carriers, two pusher tugs, five research vessels, four offshore supply ships, and four accommodation ships. These contracts insure full employment at the company's Wartsila and Valmet yards through 1983.

The new vessels are general cargo, having six holds, a 'tween deck, open type hatches, and 40- ton deck cranes. The 'tween deck will be fitted with a quarter ramp in the stern with a free breadth of 5 meters.

The vessel is designed to serve in Arctic conditions, to break ice 1 meter thick with constant speed without icebreaker assistance and to endure temperatures down to — 50c C.

The hull has typical icebreaker features such as bow form, sloping sides and a heeling system.

The vessel will fulfill the requirements of the ULA-class of the USSR Register of Shipping.

The machinery consists of two Sulzer 14 ZV 40 48 medium-speed diesel engines totaling 15,400 kw (21,000 bhp) geared through Valmet- Renk gears and hydrodynamic couplings to a KaMeWa controllable- pitch propeller.

The vessel with a 26,400-cubicmeter hold capacity is intended for all kinds of cargo, including general cargo, coal, ore, grain, heavy units, explosives, and chemicals.

The 'tween deck may be used for ro ro cargo and is fitted with an 800-meter lane for trailers.

There are also lashings for 532 twenty-foot containers of which 50 can be refrigerated. The hatch covers can also be used for packaged timber.

The ships will have a length overall of 174 meters (about 571 feet) ; breadth of 24.50 meters (80 feet) ; depth to upper deck, 15.20 meters (50 feet) ; draft, maximum, 10.5 meters (34 feet) ; deadweight, 20,000 ; crew, 52; output, 2 x 7,700 kw (2 x 10,500 bhp) ; and speed, 17 knots.

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First published in 1881 Maritime Reporter is the world's largest audited circulation publication serving the global maritime industry.