OREANDA-NEWS. Sovcomflot tanker Nikolay Zuyev has been officially recognised as one of the best ships of 2012 by Britain’s Royal Institution of Naval Architects (RINA).

As stated in the official RINA publication, the Aframax tanker Nikolay Zuyev received recognition for her broad range of structural advantages and technical solutions. Among other factors, the new vessel’s energy consumption is significantly lower than the base level set for ships of her class. Provision has also been made for the long-term use of low-sulphur (0.1%) fuel. In combination with other measures, this makes Nikolay Zuyev one of the most environmentally safe vessels in the world. When the ship’s beam size is increased to 46m, her draught is just 14.9m, meaning cargo capacity can be maximised when crossing the Baltic Straits and ensuring the vessel is ideally suited to hydrocarbon transportation conditions at terminals in Primorsk and Ust-Luga.

 The tanker’s cargo-pumping system allows for the simultaneous transportation and pumping of three types of cargo located in 12 separate tanks, including crude oil and dark-oil products. A specially designed rudder provides the vessel with improved propulsion efficiency and better maneuverability. The bottom of the ship is coated in special paint to prevent sea-crust and ensure a low friction factor and a long service life. High-tech equipment has been installed aboard the vessel to constantly monitor and regular its speed, draught and pitch, depending on the cargo load and sailing conditions. Working and living conditions aboard the ship are fully in line with high standards at Sovcomflot and crew members can enjoy comfortable personal cabins.