 |
"Rolldock Star" semi-submersible ship -- February 2, 2014
(credit: Rolldock)
|
Last month, an Indian delegation visited Zvezdochka Shipyard in Severodvinsk, Russia. A shipyard spokesman told reporters that the Indian Navy's Kilo-class submarine "INS Sindhukesari" would arrive in Severodvinsk in June 2016. Considering it would take over a month to complete a transfer from India to Severodvinsk, the transfer would have to start in May.
 |
| Track of "Rolldock Star" is at traveled between Singapore and India -- April 19-28, 2016 |
There are only a few companies that both possess heavy-lift vessels and have a history of supporting submarine transfers to/from Russia. The Dutch firm
Rolldock, a subsidiary of Roll Group, is one of them. By regularly tracking the company's fleet of semi-submersible ships, it was easy to spot possible candidates.
 |
| "Rolldock Star" moves to deep-water area -- May 4, 2016 |
"Rolldock Star" departed Singapore on April 19 and arrived in Mumbai (
Jawaharlal Nehru Port) on April 28. On May 4, the ship departed port and proceeded to an area about one-half nautical mile to the north. Over the next two days, the vessel remained in the deep-water area, where it likely onloaded its cargo. "Rolldock Star" departed the area during the evening hours of May 6 with a reported destination of Severodvinsk (estimated arrival date: June 12).
 |
| Track of "Rolldock Star" as it departs Mumbai -- May 6, 2016 |
Given the earlier statement of the submarine's arrival in Severodvinsk in June and the reported destination of "Rolldock Star", it's pretty clear that the Dutch semi-submersible ship is currently ferrying "INS Sindhukesari" to Russia.
 |
| Destination: Severodvinsk! |
