Servicemen during the ceremony of raising the naval flag aboard the project 23120 Vsevolod Bobrov vessel “Thundering” in St. Petersburg.
The Vsevolod Bobrov logistic support vessel in Kronstadt raised the Andreevsky flag, and it was transferred to the Navy. The ceremony was attended by the widow of the hockey player and football player, after whom the ship is named, Elena Bobrova, took part in the ceremony. AiF.ru learned the features of the new ship.
Vsevolod Bobrov is the second ship of Project 23120 built at Severnaya Verf. The ship was laid down at Severnaya Verf in 2013, and launched in 2016. The name was given in honor of the legendary Soviet athlete – hockey player, football player, coach, Olympic champion in 1956. The ship passed all tests and confirmed all the characteristics laid down. It will become part of the Black Sea Fleet, but its characteristics will allow it to accompany warships in different regions of the World Ocean. For example, in the Mediterranean Sea, where he will be able to support the Russian group of ships, and in the Indian Ocean – anti-piracy naval patrols.
The vessel can even be used in the Arctic, where the Russian fleet will be involved in protecting the Northern Sea Route.
Vsevolod Bobrov is the second ice-class logistic support vessel. The first was Elbrus (entered the Northern Fleet in 2018). Its hull is designed to overcome 0.6 m thick ice.
Based on the results of the operation of the head order, project 23120 was finalized. In particular, in comparison with Elbrus, Vsevolod Bobrov has improved communication and navigation systems. In addition, in addition to conventional containers, the second project 23120 vessel can carry refrigerated containers and military equipment, for which special traverses are provided for loading.
Ships of project 23120 are also designed to help ships in distress. During rescue operations, the vessel can take on board up to 43 people, including the crew members. It is interesting that during the tests on board the ship there were several times more people than envisaged by the project, more than 150 people. All vacant premises were used to accommodate them.
Also, the project 23120 vessel can be used for towing ships and ships, up to an aircraft carrier. For this, a special powerful winch is provided.
In addition, an auxiliary winch is available which is used to distribute containers on deck. Thanks to crane equipment and a dynamic positioning system, the “supplier” can carry out loading operations at unequipped quay walls and in the open sea. The vessel has a diving complex with a pressure chamber for deep-water diving. In addition, Vsevolod Bobrov can be used to map the seabed. The multi-beam echo sounder installed on the ship allows surveying at depths of up to 1 km.
Although the ship does not have a helipad, it can receive cargo, including on the move, from a helicopter without landing. For this, a special mesh is placed on the cargo area, and an aviation container is used to transfer cargo.
The project 23120 vessel has the highest possible automation class A1, which allows operation for 24 hours in fully automatic mode. In this case, one person can be on the navigating bridge observing the situation. The autonomy of the vessel is 60 days. For a comfortable stay on the flight for the crew, a gym, a sauna with a swimming pool, a hairdresser's, and a laundry are provided.
Project 23120 was developed by the St. Petersburg Design Bureau “Spetsudoproekt”. The length of the vessel is about 95 meters, width is 22 meters, draft is 9 meters, cruising range is about 5 thousand miles, crew is 27 people. It has a displacement of 9500 tons, which is almost twice as much as that of Project 22350 frigates of the “Admiral Gorshkov” class.
According to experts, the appearance of new auxiliary ships in the Russian Navy indicates that the Russian Navy is aimed at further development. Let us recall the reports about long-distance cruises of Russian ships – it is always mentioned that the group includes tankers, tugs, and other auxiliary vessels, which simply cannot be done at sea. And if they are concerned about the problem of creating new rear-support ships, then there is also the prospect of building warships, which they will provide. In general, this is a positive signal.
