Nuclear submarine for India returns to Russian docks

Nuclear submarine, ‘Nerpa’ (Project 9711) has returned to Vostock and is now docked in the finishing dock of the Amur Shipyard in Russia after the second round of tests last week.

The second round of tests began at the end of July and were necessary due to the death of 20 crew members during the first round of tests in which there was a gas explosion. Repairs alone cost US$60 million.

The submarine will be docked at Amur for sometime while fresh water and food are replenished. Following this, the submarine will depart to continue sea trials.

It is expected that the ‘Nerpa’ and its permanent crew will depart Russia in mid-September for India for the crew to start training at sea. Official delivery will take place before the end of the year (source: www.bairdmaritime.com).