The 8th of December saw the laying down of keels of two TG04M project shallow-draught icebreaking tugs by ZNT YARD JSC for a FSUE “Rosmoport” Azov basin branch.

A new tug is oriented for towing and canting operations or transfer of pilots, members of government and supervisory committees. During roadstead operations maximal amount of passengers aboard varies from 2 to 12 people.

The vessels project is designed for O 2,0 (Ice 30) A Ice Class of Russian River Register. The Ice Class is admittedly higher than recommended by RRR Rules for O 2,0 Class vessels. Navigation area includes water basins and estuary parts with O Navigation Class. Thus, the new tugs navigation area will be expanded as far as Azov-Don Marine Canal entrance buoy.

The tug`s capacity (442 kW (600 hp) is quite notable for vessel of such Class, with lenght of 21,3 m, width of 6,6 m and displacement of 127 tons.

The projects forsees the equipping of tug by modern communication and radio navigation devices.