SEVEROMORSK, Murmansk Region, August 30 (AVN) - The Yegorov sea-going tow has started towing the first pontoon for Kursk submarine recovery to the ship-repairing plant in the Murmansk suburb of Roslyakovo, a spokesman for the Northern Fleet headquarters said on Thursday.
The pontoon will be handed over to the customer, the Mammoet company, in Roslyakovo, the spokesman told the Military News Agency. Two pontoons are required for transportation of the Kursk submarine hull to the Roslyakovo plant's dry dock.
According to the spokesman, the towing operation is considered very complicated. The pontoon's length is 100m, width 30m and height 9m. However the towing takes place in accordance with the schedule and the caravan will reach its destination on time. Forecasters say the weather will be favourable during all the way.
Meanwhile, the local Sevmash shipyard's basin witnesses preparations for the towing of the second pontoon. Both vessels are regional barges without special reinforcement. They are fitted with mooring devices, a ballast system and ventilation system.
All risks related to death or damage of the pontoons during the transportation are insured by the Military Insurance Company. The amount at risk makes USD2.85m for each pontoon.