The first generation nuclear submarine of Project 671 (November class by NATO designation) factory number 291 was built in 1964 and was taken out of service in 1990. It has been laid up since then at the Gremikha Naval Base. Due to the lengthy storage period the vessel’s outer hull has deteriorated significantly. The poor condition of the submarine’s outer hull is the prime reason that the Norwegian, UK and Russian technical experts have identified the use of modern transportation means whereby the submarine is lifted out of the water onto the deck of a Heavy Transport Vessel as the safest and most environmentally friendly method. The UK Ministry of Defence’s Salvage and Marine Operations Integrated Project Team has provided support to the Norwegian Defence Research Establishment (FFI) in reviewing the technical solutions.

AMEC has chosen Dockwise Shipping BV to provide the transport services. Dockwise will use its semi-submersible vessel Transshelf for the transport.The operation will also involve resources from the Russian Northern Fleet’s Salvage Department. The planned marine operation is weather critical and will start around the 3 ^rd> of September if conditions are acceptable. After successful loading of the submarine, the transport will take two-three days to complete.

An objective for the project has been to document and demonstrate the use of Heavy Transport Vessels as safe and reliable means of transporting nuclear powered vessels. The present transport of Russian nuclear submarines is the first time fuelled nuclear propelled ships have been transported in this way. The lessons learned by all parties involved, including the transport industry, will prepare the ground for future applications both in the Russian Far East and by other nations operating nuclear submarines.

Norway has provided funds for this project from the Norwegian Ministry of Defence budget and from the Norwegian Plan of Action for Nuclear Safety Cooperation with Russia lead by the Norwegian Ministry of Foreign Affairs. In total the Norwegian funds in support of the project amounts to approximately 3 M USD. UK technical support to the project was financed from funds stewarded by the Department of Trade and Industry under the G8 Global Partnership programme.

Points of contact:
Ingjerd Kroken, Norwegian Ministry of Defence, (+47 9169 8678)
Thor Engøy, FFI (+47 481 55 107)