The river icebreaker «Nevskaya Zastava» started work at the site of erecting supports for the future Big Smolensk Bridge over the big Neva River.
The vessel frees the water area from ice and ensures the safety of work in the current conditions, which is particularly strong in this part of the Neva. Ice movements here are capable of moving even a heavy barge out of place. The icebreaker has increased manoeuvrability, which is necessary in cramped conditions.
Swivelling steering columns allow it to turn 360 degrees practically on the spot. The lifting and lowering design of the wheelhouse makes it possible to work under unbridged St. Petersburg bridges. Due to small dimensions the vessel is able to perform specific tasks on the river, which cannot be performed by large sea icebreakers.
The icebreaker tugboat Nevskaya Zastava was built in 2010. The vessel is 40.5 metres long, 12 metres wide and has a draft of 3.8 metres. In winter the icebreaker prevents ice accumulation and builds channels to guide ships along the Neva. It is able to cope with ice up to 70 cm thick. In summer it can eliminate oil spills.
The Big Smolensky Bridge will be the first drawbridge built in the city over the last 40 years. The bridge crossing is designed on the largest stretch of the Neva without crossings - between the Volodarsky and Alexander Nevsky bridges. The 1.6 kilometre long bridge will stand on ten piers and will be used by trams.