Interview with the chief engneer of “Voskhod-53”
“The engine is good – no questions. Soul rejoices!” – thus Igor Stepanov, the chief engineer of the vessel “Voskhod-53”, started his answer to my question.
A small digression.
In June 2013 in accordance with the program of modernization of high-speed passenger fleet by LLC “Lenaturflot” in cooperation with “Marine Technics” Group, the passenger vessel of project 352 “Voskhod-53” has been modernized.
The outdated domestically produced engine of the vessel has been replaced by the modern fuel-efficient engine produced by MAN concern (Germany).
Engineers of the vessel and service specialist of “Marine Technics” Group have installed MAN engine with the capacity of 1 100 hp, new monitoring and control system. The modernization project has been fully designed by Design Bureau of “Marine Technics” Group.
Till 2011 this vessel was in Rostov-on-Don, where it has been laid up by its ex-owner for few years because of high operating costs for repair, oil and fuel. Fortunately, there are ship owners, who understand that unique vessels created by designer Alexeev are too early to write off. And if these vessels are equipped with a modern and economy engine, they will serve for few decades more, carrying passengers on the Siberian rivers and bringing profits to their owners due to lower operating costs. And the vessel was given a new home port – on the great Siberian river Lena.
“Of course, it is too early to evaluate the performance of new engines, the navigation is in full play, but anyway – what’s Your first impression, as an engineer who worked for decades on hydrofoil boats and knows the previous engines at 100%?” – I ask further.
“Before we used to change oil filters for almost every voyage”, – Igor answers, – “too much oil, we’ve brought barrels of it, and now we’ve poured 35 liters and that’s enough for half of navigation, and the fuel consumption became 120-130 kg/hour instead of 160 kg/hour, well, and…” “What “and…”?” – I ask.
“Before we had to wake up early to prepare the old engine two hours before leaving, as the voyage was in the morning. And now you just come, turn the ignition key just like in the car and everything works. And the captain during the voyage constantly asks: “Is the engine running?” – as you can’t hear usual roar and vibrations – it is silent, unusual – but we will get used to it”, – says chief engineer of the “Voskhod-53” vessel Igor Stepanov and smiles.
Well, we wish You good luck, Lena transport workers, a great ship asks deep water! Seems that a new young and strong heart started beating on the vessel “Voskhod-53”.
The interview was prepared by the head of fleet modernization department Konstantin Barkanov
Saint-Petersburg-Peleduj 01.08.2013