Volga steamship puts Rusich-1 in water

The first dry-cargo vessel of its Rusich series was set afloat over the weekend by the Volga Steamship Line. As learned by Rosbalt from the press service of the company, final fittings and preparations for launching are now underway.

The Rusich-1 was planned by the design arm of Vimpel and built by Red Somovo Shipyards here to technical specifications set by Volga Steamship. The vessel can carry 5,000 tonnes and is designed for all European routes and all seas. Rusich-1 is particularly maneuverable: it can make a complete turn almost in place and can move sideways. It is designed as well to work in ice. The design and construction took into account existing rules for sea and river transport, and the vessel meets all international norms and requirements. The vessel is fitted with modern ecological equipment to prevent oil-containing goods and other pollutants from contaminating water. Rusich-1 will be capable of carrying all kinds of cargo: grain, ore, coal, mineral fertilizers and containers, including refrigerated containers.

The keel-laying for Rusich-1 took place last October 18 at Red Sormovo. Rusich-1 is the first of 10 vessels that Volga Steamship Line plans to build in the series in a long-term program. Two more vessels of the planned 10 are already being built.