English
The main construction phases of the new multi-purpose hybrid ice-class vessel of the Freeport of Riga Authority's capital company LVR Flote have been completed at the “Baltic Workboats AS” shipyard in Saaremaa, Estonia. The construction of the vessel is 85% complete, on schedule and on budget. The main construction phases, including hull manufacturing and initial outfitting, have been successfully completed and the final construction works are currently underway at the “Baltic Workboats AS” shipyard. The vessel is scheduled to be commissioned and join the fleet by the end of November.
“We are pleased with the progress made by “Baltic Workboats AS” in the construction of the vessel. Our technical requirements have been met and, when the shipyard's specialists were expected to advise, the solutions offered have been well considered, so our cooperation is progressing well. This project is a significant investment in our future capabilities, demonstrating our commitment to provide high quality of our services,” says Arno Lāts, LVR Flote Ship Group manager.
“Baltic Workboats AS” is currently installing a hybrid propulsion system that will improve the vessel's operational efficiency and reduce its environmental impact. The hybrid propulsion system is designed to help reduce emissions, noise and operating costs, as well as contribute to fuel consumption efficiency and ensure electric-powered sailing during slow-speed manoeuvring. The system meets the environmental requirements applicable to this type of vessel worldwide. The hybrid propulsion system solution is tailored directly to the specific requirements of LVR Flote's service provision. It ensures greater autonomy of the vessel in different ports and berths, as no high-power connection is required for battery charging.
The new vessel will significantly contribute to LVR Flote's operational capabilities in ice breaking, maintenance of navigation aids, performance of hydrographic surveys and other technical support activities in Latvian ports, opening opportunities for cooperation projects in both defence and maritime innovation. The project is an important step towards LVR Flote's commitment to modernise the port's technical fleet by 2026 through the gradual introduction of renewable energy technologies.
Moreover, the acquisition of the hybrid-powered vessel will contribute to the achievement of the strategic objectives of the Freeport of Riga - to maintain a safe and sustainable shipping infrastructure, as well as to reduce the environmental impact of the port's operations. Hybrid propulsion vessels significantly reduce fossil fuel emissions in daily operations and contribute to climate neutrality and decarbonisation objectives.
The project will also boost military mobility - the multi-purpose vessel will support the Latvian Border Guard and Coast Guard services when needed, as the vessel will be capable of transporting military equipment and personnel.
The project “Acquisition of a modern and efficient icebreaker for ice breaking in the Gulf of Riga” was launched by the Freeport of Riga Authority and LVR Flote at the end of 2022. In November 2023, according to the results of an open tender, LVR Flote concluded a contract for delivery of the new vessel with the Estonian shipyard “Baltic Workboats AS”, with the production facility located in Saaremaa.
According to the contract, the total investment for the new vessel is €10.498 million, of which €5.076 million is co-financed by the European Climate, Infrastructure and Environment Agency (CINEA) under the CEF Transport Military Mobility Programme.
Information for media
- liene.ozola [at] rop.lv, +371 670 308 53
- Freeport of Riga Authority
- 12 Kalpaka blvd, Riga, Latvia, LV-1010
