Unique North Pole platform was launched in St. Petersburg

[vostok]

A unique ice-resistant self-propelled North Pole platform, which is intended for round-the-year comprehensive scientific research in high latitudes of the Arctic Ocean has been launched at the Admiralty Shipyards, St.Petersburg.

It is planned that the platform will help resume the traditional operations of the drifting stations in the Arctic region. Earlier the scientists used to set up research stations on the icebergs. The first landing followed by wintering was conducted by Soviet specialists in 1937. The expedition was called the North Pole. The same name was given to the platform, under construction at the Admiralty Shipyards. The unique platform will allow to carry out wide complex of researches in the Arctic Ocean efficiently and safely.

The North Pole platform can drift and move through the ice at the speed of 10 knots. The fuel reserve on board will enable the platform to operate as an independent expedition for up to two years. The scientific center of the ice-resistant platform will be equipped with modern laboratory, uninterruptible communication facilities, and designed for simultaneous work of 34 scientists. Also, the North Pole will be equipped with a landing pad for multi-purpose helicopters such as Mi-8 and Mi-38.

Specifications of the ice-resistant platform: length – 83.1 m; breadth – 22.5 m; draft – 8.6 m; displacement – over 10,000 t; power propulsion unit – 4,200 kW; speed – at least 10 knots; hull strength - Arc8; fuel endurance – about 2 years; service life – at least 25 years; crew - 14; scientific personnel - 34.

The North Pole platform was ordered by Russia’s Federal Service for Hydrometeorology and Environmental Monitoring under the state programme on social and economic development of the Arctic zone. The all-season scientific-research platform with built-in equipment will be able to make geological, acoustic, geophysical and oceanographic observations in the Arctic Ocean.