"Removed from the pen and launched on November 17, the Knyaz Vladimir has the other day started berthing tests. Those are due for completion early in the new year," the source said to the agency.



TASS has no official confirmation of the said information.



The berthing tests are part of the acceptance trials conducted in the shipyard’s water area. Construction of the boat is being completed and her main equipment checked. This includes preliminary tests of the main power plant. Following the berthing tests, the Knyaz Vladimir will start sea trials in spring. The source specified that at the final stage of acceptance trials, due to take place in summer through autumn, the submarine will fire at the Kura test range in Kamchatka peninsula, using her main weapon, Bulava missile.

