Okhtensky

The Okhtensky-class (Project 733) is a series of ocean-going salvage and rescue tugs designed to support naval fleet operations. These vessels were primarily tasked with towing disabled ships, conducting salvage operations, and performing light transport duties. While historically built in the Soviet Union, they operated widely across the Baltic region and Warsaw Pact networks, often associated with Polish maritime auxiliary operations.

Developed in the post-WWII era, the Project 733 tugs began entering service in 1958 to modernize the Soviet auxiliary fleet. Approximately 40 units were constructed through the mid-1960s, serving across various fleets including the Baltic and Northern Fleets. Several vessels underwent modernization for specialized rescue or intelligence-gathering roles, and some units interacted closely with Polish naval bases during joint Warsaw Pact exercises. Most of the class has been decommissioned, though a few remained in auxiliary service into the 21st century.