Second Project 21980 Grachonok anti-terror boat (serial number 982) was commissioned into Russian Navy. Acceptance certificate was signed late Oct 2011 in Novorossiysk. The boat will serve in harbor defense division of Black Sea Fleet (BSF) naval base Novorossiysk.
Lead boat of the project – P-104 – is stationed in Kronshtadt harbor defense division, Baltic Fleet (BF) since the fall of 2009; Russian Navy’s ensign was hoisted in May 2010. In the summer of 2011, the boat painted original camouflage pattern was displayed in the International Maritime Defense Show and attracted high interest.
Project of the special-purpose boat was developed by JSC Vympel Design Bureau (Nizhniy Novgorod). Construction had been mastered by JSC Zelenodolsk Shipyard. The boats are designed for anti-terror activities in basing sites and close approaches, and rendering assistance to Russian Coast Guard in protecting of state borders.
Up-to-date equipment and excellent navigability help Grachonok-class boats accomplish wide range of tasks typical for larger ships.
At present, Zelenodolsk Shipyard builds the third boat of that project laid down in May 2011.
Project 21980 anti-terror boat (serial number 982) was keel-laid at Zelenodolsk Shipyard in May 2010; launched in July and transferred to Novorossiysk via inland waterways in the fall to pass sea trials.
[mappress] World Maritime News Staff, January 2, 2012; Image: sdelanounas