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Kapitan Ushakov

2022 MODERN NAVY SEA TUG ARCTIC OPERATIONS

History

Kapitan Ushakov is a Russian Project 23470 military sea tug developed for towing, search-and-rescue, firefighting, and support operations, including work in Arctic waters. The vessel was intended for operations along the Northern Sea Route and has an Arc4 ice class.

The tug was launched at the Yaroslavsky Shipbuilding Plant in 2022 and transferred to Saint Petersburg in autumn 2023 for completion at a Baltic Shipyard berth. Before entering service, the vessel suffered a serious flooding accident in August 2025 and partially sank in the Neva.

Kapitan Ushakov remained submerged for more than a year while preparations and salvage work were conducted. By September 2026 the vessel had been raised, but its future remained uncertain because extensive repairs were expected to be required before it could potentially enter service.

Development and completion

Project 23470 sea tugs were designed to tow ships, floating objects, and maritime structures in seas and oceans without geographic operating restrictions. Kapitan Ushakov was intended to combine this towing role with search-and-rescue and firefighting functions. Its Arc4 classification permits operation in specified ice conditions, supporting its planned use in northern waters.

Kapitan Ushakov was launched in 2022 at the Yaroslavsky Shipbuilding Plant. In autumn 2023 it was transferred to Saint Petersburg for further completion at the Baltic Shipyard. The vessel was being prepared for work on the Northern Sea Route.

Flooding and salvage

On the evening of 8 August 2025, Kapitan Ushakov began developing a list while alongside in Saint Petersburg. Workers attempted to control the situation through the night. On the morning of 9 August, the vessel rolled onto its starboard side and partially sank. Russian investigators stated that water had entered the auxiliary machinery compartment.

The port administration initially allowed three months for removal of the vessel from the Neva, but the tug was not raised within that period. Salvage preparations were delayed, and active work did not begin until May 2026, approximately nine months after the accident.

By 24 June 2026, the shoreline had been reinforced and contractor Baltspecflot had begun pulling the vessel using towing equipment. On 25 June, the hull had been partially raised but still had a substantial list. A complete raising was announced on 18 July, although images from that period still showed the vessel listing. Subsequent work continued until the vessel was ultimately raised.

After salvage, plans called for Kapitan Ushakov to be returned to the Yaroslavsky Shipbuilding Plant for major repair. The planned work included replacement of the propulsion system, reconstruction of the hull, refurbishment of life-support systems, and replacement of cabling, electronics, and machinery damaged during the prolonged submersion. The scale and cost of this work created uncertainty over whether the tug would eventually be completed and placed into service. Pasted text

Design

Kapitan Ushakov is a Project 23470 sea tug with a length of 69.75 m and a beam of 15 m. The design combines ocean-going towing capability with support functions including search and rescue and firefighting.

The vessel has an Arc4 ice class for operation in ice conditions. A helicopter landing area is provided on board. The stated crew is 33 personnel, and endurance is 30 days.

The tug has a stated displacement of 3,200 tonnes. Available vessel data also gives a draught of 5.11 m, deadweight of 700 tonnes, gross tonnage of 2,800, main engine power of 3,876 hp, and a maximum speed of 14 knots.

Program status

Kapitan Ushakov had not completed its entry into service when it partially sank in August 2025. After the 2026 salvage operation, the vessel was planned to undergo extensive reconstruction and equipment replacement at the Yaroslavsky Shipbuilding Plant. Its eventual return to the construction program or entry into Russian Navy service remained uncertain because of the scope and potential cost of the required repairs.