Russia welcomed a new dual-fuel ferry in an official flag-raising ceremony that took place in the seaport of Ust-Luga in the Leningrad region on March 4.
Russia's President Vladimir Putin took part in the ceremony via videoconference.
Marshal Rokossovsky (IMO number 9872341) is Russia's first dual-fuel ferry (Ro-Ro vessel) with ice class “Arc4“ hull, designed to transport standard railway trains with a gauge of 1520mm, as well as cars and trucks/trailers.
Ordered by FSUE Rosmorport, the newbuild was constructed by the Nevsky Shipyard LLC in cooperation with the Turkish dockyard The Kuzey Star Shipyard. The vessel's design was developed by the marine engineering bureau – design-SPb LLC.
Russia's President Vladimir Putin said:
“Already today, this ship will go to the Kaliningrad region, carrying everyday goods for residents, products for construction and other important sectors of the region’s economy. In total, the volume of cargo transportation on the Ust-Luga – Baltiysk line will grow by more than one and a half times, up to two million tons annually.
“Moreover, the new ferry will be able to go to sea even in difficult weather conditions, and in winter without the escort of an icebreaker."
Vladimir Putin also informed that the ferry could run on LNG (liquefied natural gas) or eco-friendly type of diesel fuel, which would reduce harmful substances' emissions by over 90%, which means protecting the waters of the Baltic Sea.
According to Vitaly Savelyev, Russian Minister of Transport, the ferry could carry up to 80 wagons/78 vehicles. The loading speed on the new vessel will be 4 times faster than the existing - 5 hours instead of 20.
By the end of the year, the fleet serving the Ust-Luga-Baltiysk crossing is expected to be joined with one more ship, which is ordered by FSUE Rosmorport, General Chernyakhovsky ferry.
The Ministry of Transport of the Russian Federation said the commissioning of 2 new “green” ferries would improve the transport security of the Kaliningrad region, and ensure the transportation of goods needed for domestic consumption.