Philip of Irapa (tugboat)

2025: Launching

On December 12, 2025, State Transport Leasing Company JSC (GTLK) put into operation a new river tugboat-pusher Philip Irapsky. The vessel built at the Cherepovets Shipbuilding Plant (ChSZ) under the RK-395M project is designed to simultaneously transport several non-self-propelled ships and other floating facilities.

According to the press service of GTLK, the contract with the ChSZ for the production of five pusher tugs was RK-395M concluded by the transport company as part of the implementation of an investment project to renew the civil fleet of the Russian Federation. This project is funded by the National Welfare Fund and is supported by the Ministry of Industry and Trade and the Ministry of Transport.

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Фото: Cherepovets Urban Development Agency

These pusher tugs are designed to operate on river routes from Cherepovets to Astrakhan. The design of ships was developed in Russia and is characterized by a high degree of use of domestic components.

According to the Urban Development Agency (Cherepovets), the new pusher tug got its name in honor of the Monk Philip Irapsky, whose story is associated with the city of Cherepovets. The solemn ceremony of launching the vessel included its consecration, the performance of creative teams and the traditional ritual of breaking a bottle of champagne on board.

Oksana Andreeva, General Director of the Urban Development Agency, said that the event confirms the status of Cherepovets as an industrial center with continuing shipbuilding traditions.

The ChSZ, built with support in 2018 with the support of the Urban Development Agency, launched 31 barges and 7 tugboats, which are operated at port transport hubs in Russia. The company specializes in the construction of river tugs and barges using metal produced by Severstal^[1]

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