Tanker VARZUGA towed into Le Havre, France after becoming adrift in English Channel

May 7, 2021: 1977 Nobiskrug-built ice-strengthened product tanker 🇷🇺 VARZUGA (ex-🇫🇮UIKKU) towed into Le Havre 🇫🇷 port by tug 🇵🇦 CHRISTOS XXIV.
While under tow from Murmansk 🇷🇺 to Aliağa 🇹🇷 scrapyard, she broke loose from tow line off Cherbourg 🇫🇷 during strong winds of 60 knots and became adrift, requiring emergency tow vessel 🇫🇷 ABEILLE LIBERTE’s intervention which escorted the VARZUGA to Le Havre. The VARZUGA was then towed to Brest 🇫🇷 for demolition.
The VARZUGA was the world’s first tanker with diesel-electric Azipod propulsion. "After the 1993 propulsion refit, the 1977-built Varzuga (ex-Uikku) became the first non-Soviet vessel to transit the Northern Sea Route and the ship that led to the development of so-called double acting ships that can transport oil, natural gas and minerals year-round from the Arctic without icebreakers. Despite an icebreaker bow, the ship had higher icebreaking capability when operating stern-first." #shipspotting
More info & Sources:
www.maritimebulletin.net/2021/...
premarmanche/statu...
robindesbois.org/en/la-fin-de...
forum.gcaptain.com/t/worlds-f...

[@amrithkumarev8611]

Nice video's

[@egetulca]

Thank you Amrith!

[@tadeuszczernia5422]

Let me guess. Soviet school of marine meitenance?