Russia contracts survey of sunken PD-50 floating dock
Carrier Admiral Kuznetsov was in drydock when the sinking occurred (Source: Wikipedia Commons)
Russia has awarded a RUB 240 million contract, about EUR 2.40 million, to JSC Lenmorniiproekt to conduct a full underwater survey of the sunken PD-50 floating dock in Kola Bay, Barents Sea. The work will include diving inspections of the hull and internal compartments, photographic and video documentation, corrosion assessment and measurement of list, trim and seabed penetration. Engineers will produce a 3D model of the dock, surrounding seabed and potential transport route.
PD-50 sank on the night of October 29, 2018 near the 35th Ship Repair Yard while servicing the aircraft carrier Admiral Kuznetsov, which sustained damage but remained afloat. The dock, built in Sweden in 1979, has remained underwater for nearly eight years.
Reports indicate the dock is likely to be raised for scrapping rather than restoration. Russia currently relies on two other large floating docks, both built abroad, to service major surface ships and submarines. The survey marks the first formal step towards resolving the long-standing status of PD-50 and addressing heavy shiprepair capacity constraints in the region.
