The Aker Arctic-designed and Vyborg Shipyard JSC-built 89.2m long Ob vessel is designed to support LNG carriers’ year-round operability at the Sabetta LNG terminal, situated at the Port of Sabetta in Russia. The vessel has already been delivered to owner and operator FSUE Atomflot, and will provide icebreaking assistance to LNG carriers transporting natural gas year-round from the Yamal Peninsula.
In 2012, Aker Arctic began developing the port fleet for Sabetta LNG terminal in co-operation with the Yamal LNG project, operated by JSC Yamal LNG, a joint-venture of NOVATEK (50.1%), TOTAL (20%), CNPC (20%) and Silk Road Fund (9.9%).
Robust propulsion
The Ob has a diesel-electric propulsion system consisting of four ABB Azipod ICE 1400 propulsion units: two in the bow and two in the stern. This propulsion configuration, which has previously not been used in any icebreaking vessel, was selected to provide maximum operability in thick consolidated brash ice that forms in the harbour basin.
Despite having a total propulsion power of just 12MW, Ob can break up to 1.5m thick level ice in both ahead and astern directions. The all-azimuthing quad-screw propulsion configuration enables good manoeuvrability and control when operating in proximity to large LNG carriers.
The main power plant consists of three Wärtsilä 8V31 medium-speed diesel generator sets. Ob also features ABB’s Onboard DC Grid to further improve efficiency and reduce fuel consumption.