The lead pilotage vessel Viktor Kuskov has been commissioned
February 13, 2025

On November 23, 2017, the Sosnovsky Shipbuilding Plant, with the support and participation of the Onezhsky Shipbuilding and Ship Repair Plant, delivered the lead pilot vessel "Viktor Kuskov" of the BLV04 project (hull number 701).

Customer — FSUE "Rosmorport."

Designer — Marine Engineering Bureau.

A total of three buoy tenders have been ordered. The lead vessel "Viktor Kuskov" was built for the Northwest Basin Branch of FSUE "Rosmorport" (Ust-Luga Port). "Hydrograph Ravdin" is intended for the Far Eastern Basin Branch (Vladivostok Port), and "Anatoly Klimov" is for the Vanino Basin Branch (Vanino Port).

The BLV04 project vessel is designed for:

• Installation and removal of floating navigational aids;
• Maintenance of floating navigational aids within port waters and on approach channels;
• Transportation of general cargo on deck using port facilities or the ship's crane;
• Inspection of the seabed.

The vessel is a steel, single-deck, self-propelled, twin-screw ship with an extended forecastle superstructure and a two-tier bridge. It features a working deck in the aft section capable of accommodating four BMBL-78 type buoys with anchoring devices simultaneously. The engine room is located in the middle part of the vessel, equipped with a cargo crane.

Navigation area — sea areas corresponding to navigation area R2. In terms of radio equipment, operation is expected in A1 areas.

The vessel has the following main characteristics:

• Overall length — approximately 30.15 m;
• Length between perpendiculars — 28.74 m;
• Overall width — approximately 9.70 m;
• Width at the DWL — 9.10 m;
• Board height at midship — 3.60 m;
• Draft at the DWL — 2.8 m;
• Speed — 11.0 knots;
• Autonomy — 10 days.

Russian Maritime Register of Shipping class: КМ (*) Ice 2 [1] 1 R2 AUT3-C.

In the aft part of the vessel, two fixed-pitch propellers and two suspended rudders are installed, ensuring the required speed and maneuverability. The drive to the propellers is mechanical from the main engines through gearboxes. The propellers are made of stainless steel.

The vessel includes a bow tunnel-type thruster with a fixed-pitch propeller. Power at the input of the thruster — 120 kW.

The vessel's structure is reinforced with ice strengthening for class Ice 2.

To ensure the vessel performs its main functions related to the removal, placement, and maintenance of navigational floating signs, a cargo hydraulic crane is provided with two hooks having a lifting capacity of 5 tons at an outreach of 8.0 m and a lifting capacity of 3 tons at an outreach of 15.0 m.

Anchors are dropped from the deck during buoy installation using hoists with a lifting capacity of 3 tons.

Bollards and bitts are installed on the main deck for securing buoys; a set of mooring lines is also provided.

A workboat 6 meters long is provided for the maintenance of floating navigational marks.

The vessel is equipped with two bow anchors of the ПДС type.

The crew consists of 7 people, special personnel — 4 people.

The officers are accommodated in single cabins with individual bathrooms, while other crew members and special personnel are housed in cabins with washbasins.

Living and service spaces are located in the forward living quarters and forecastle superstructure.

The wheelhouse is designed with a panoramic view and ensures the possibility of single-person vessel operation, including the ability to hold the vessel on point during the placement of navigational aids.

The execution of hydrographic functions by the vessel is ensured by the installation of an echo sounder with a multi-beam emitter, with synchronization provided between the echo sounder, gyrocompass, DGPS receiver, and vertical motion sensor. Stationary and portable complexes are provided for measuring the speed of sound in water.

A workstation for the sounding hydrographic complex is included, as well as a set of specialized software for the installation and monitoring of navigational buoys.

Lead vessel of the BLV04 project "Viktor Kuskov" (hull number 701) was laid down on 11/26/14. Launch took place on 06/07/16. Delivered on 11/23/17.

Second vessel of the "Hydrograph Ravdin" project (hull number 702) was laid down on 05/08/15.

Third vessel of the "Anatoly Klimov" project (hull number 703) was laid down on 05/08/15.