The Russian government has announced an ambitious $6b program to add 1,637 domestically-built vessels to its merchant fleet by 2036.
Out of this total, 713 vessels are slated to be delivered from 2025 to 2030, with the remainder during the five years to 2036. The blueprint calls for the construction of 130 high ice-class vessels, including oil and gas tankers and bulk carriers, to further develop Arctic shipping.
“It is necessary to ensure the development of competencies in the construction of a fleet for domestic transportation, large-tonnage sea vessels for the export of goods, scientific research, as well as an increase in the production of ships for the development of the Arctic,” the document reads.
It adds: “The shipbuilding industry of the Russian Federation has faced a number of new challenges […] including in connection with the introduction of economic sanctions. This results in the need to create its own competencies in the construction of a large-tonnage cargo fleet to ensure export and domestic cargo flows.”
The impact of sanctions on shipbuilding supplies has been substantial. Some 97 percent of all imported equipment was purchased in “unfriendly countries,” the document notes.
“One of the most serious production and technological issues in the shipbuilding industry remains the shortage of construction and launching facilities for the serial production of large-tonnage ships and vessels, which has a significant impact on their construction time. Only a few shipbuilding enterprises in the Russian Federation are capable of building civilian vessels longer than 170 meters,” the document concludes.
Priority is being given to vessels for the Northern Sea Route and the North-South transport corridor.
(photo of Zvezda Shipyard)