The Freeport of Riga Authority and SIA “LVR Flote” are implementing the project “Introduction of modern and efficient icebreaking equipment in the Gulf of Riga (Icebreaking Riga)” which has received co-financing from the European Climate, Infrastructure and Environment Executive Agency (CINEA) under the CEF Military Mobility Program.

Following an open tender, in November 2023, LVR Flote signed a contract with Baltic Workboats AS for the purchase of a new multi-functional hybrid propulsion ice-class vessel. According to the concluded contract, the total investment for the new vessel is EUR 10.498 million, of which CINEA’s co-financing for the project amounts to EUR 5.076 million from the eligible project costs. The building of the vessel is currently actively underway at the Baltic Workboats AS shipyard in Saaremaa, Estonia.

Baltic Workboats AS reports that to date vessel is 70% completed, adhering to the planned schedule and budget. The main construction phases, including hull fabrication and initial outfitting, have been successfully completed. The vessel’s introduction into the fleet is planned by the end of October, marking a new significant phase in LVR Flote’s development with the latest marine technologies.

Key Milestones Achieved

Hull Fabrication: According to the tender offer, the hull was built at Damen Shipyards. The hull meets requirements of Ice Class IC (Finnish-Swedish ice class 1C) according to Bureau Veritas Classification Rules and Regulations.
Initial Outfitting: Two main engines, auxiliary engines, and technical systems have already been installed. The main engines have received the Engine International Air-Pollution Prevention Certificate, certifying compliance with IMO environmental requirements.
Deck Equipment: A powerful waterfall-type winch with an auxiliary winch has been installed on the deck for various tasks, including buoy handling and emergency technical assistance. A hydraulic deck crane is also installed for servicing navigational aids, such as lifting and placing buoys and anchors. Additionally, a foldable mast and part of the sensors for safe vessel operation have been installed.
System Integration: Navigation, communication, and technical systems integration are underway to ensure effective vessel management.
Hybrid Propulsion System Solution: The solution for the hybrid propulsion system has been confirmed with the Baltic Workboats AS. The solution will provide higher autonomy to the vessel in different ports and berths, as no high-power connection is required to ensure battery charge. Ants Vain, Project Manager at Baltic Worboats AS, comments:

“Hybrid-mechanical propulsion system will allow vessel to operate in multiple operational modes depending on exact needs for a particular task. Switching between different modes and system status monitoring is operator friendly. Components and system layout optimize maintenance and operational costs during long service period of the vessel.”

Rigorous safety checks are performed at each stage to ensure compliance with international maritime standards. The vessel building process is being monitored by the classification society Bureau Veritas.

Upcoming phases

Hybrid Propulsion System Installation: The installation of the hybrid propulsion system will enhance the vessel’s operational efficiency and reduce environmental impact. The hybrid propulsion system is designed to help reduce emissions and operating costs, produce less noise and exhaust gases, provide more fuel savings, and deliver more effective power during slow-speed maneuvering. This system complies with stricter environmental regulations and laws applicable to all waterways around the world.
Interior & Design Completion: By October, the final interior work in the wheelhouse and crew areas—cabins, galley, and technical rooms—will be completed. The vessel is equipped considering the crew’s needs for work in winter, summer, internal port waters, and sea operations.
Final Outfitting: Specialized equipment and systems necessary for LVR Flote’s services will be installed during the final outfitting process, including mechanical installations and fixtures for hydrographic services, an A-Frame device for seabed leveling and other technical support systems.
Sea Trials: Upon completion of all works, the LVR Flote crew will conduct sea trials to test the vessel’s performance in real navigation conditions. These trials are crucial for identifying necessary adjustments before the vessel’s transfer to the Freeport of Riga and official commissioning.

Collaboration with the Shipyard

Baltic Workboats AS is a modern shipyard with a highly qualified workforce and 20 years of experience in shipbuilding. Baltic Workboats AS is certified with ISO 9001:2015, ISO 14001:2015, and OHSAS 18001:2007.

LVR Flote works closely with the shipyard, with regular meetings and vessel inspections allowing for quick resolution of issues arising during construction and monitoring project progress. Head of Shipping Division, Arno Lats, comments:

“We are pleased with the progress made by Baltic Workboats AS on our new vessel. Our technical requirements have been met, and in areas where shipyard specialist recommendations were expected, the proposed solutions have been well-considered, and the collaboration has been successful. This project is a significant investment in our future capabilities and demonstrates our commitment to providing high-quality services.”

LVR Flote is providing high-quality port technical services, thereby contributing to the competitiveness of Latvian ports. The new vessel will significantly enhance LVR Flote’s operational capabilities in icebreaking, servicing navigational aids, conducting hydrographic surveys, and performing other technical support tasks in the ports of Latvia, as well as open opportunities for collaboration projects in defense and maritime innovation. The project implementation will also enhance military mobility capabilities—if needed, the multi-functional vessel will support the Latvian Border Guard and Coast Guard services, as it will be suitable for transporting military equipment and personnel.

Disclaimer: The contents of this publication are the sole responsibility of LVR Flote and Baltic Workboats and do not necessarily reflect the opinion of the European Union.