Russia’s first dockyard producing large-capacity vessels with an annual capacity of 330,000 tonnes is being built at the Zvezda shipyard. In the next few years, a commercial shipyard will open here that will manufacture medium and large-capacity vessels and marine equipment, including tankers, gas carriers, elements of drilling platforms, support and seismic survey vessels.
During his visit to the shipyard, the President took part in the keel laying ceremony for the Vladimir Monomakh, Alexander Nevsky, Yekaterina Velikaya and Svyataya Maria multi-purpose high ice class supply vessels, which will be built here for Rosneft.
Speech at the keel laying ceremony
President of Russia Vladimir Putin: Friends,
A year ago, we met here at the Zvezda shipyard, which was under construction at the time, and inspected its new facilities together.
I am happy to see – and I know what is going on here since have I followed the progress closely – that this large-scale project, which is important for the entire country, is developing at a good pace. Almost all work is proceeding in accordance with the schedule. Most importantly, the construction of ships and marine equipment has already begun.
I would like to congratulate you on a major landmark: four high ice class supply vessels have been laid down. Commissioned by Rosneft, they will strengthen the company’s potential and that of the entire national fuel and energy sector, as well as promote the development of the Northern Sea Route, a highly important project for the entire country. And not only for our country – you may have watched, followed the Eastern Economic Forum in Vladivostok: virtually all countries in the region have shown an interest in it.
Today, it is important to start accomplishing the main long-term strategic task and to launch production of full-fledged medium and large capacity vessels and marine technology as soon as possible. I know that a long-term plan for utilising the enterprise’s production facilities up to 2035 has already been approved. I hope that this plan will be implemented. In fact, I will monitor this project closely because it is probably a key precondition for the enterprise’s success. Not only Rosneft but also Gazprom, Novatek and other Russian companies must put this plan into practice and place orders on time. Maybe, they should submit even more orders because Zvezda certainly has the potential for handling more orders than provided for in this plan. I would like to note that all the principal clients ordering vessels must submit technical specifications for the required products on time.
I am confident that the company’s staff, you and your colleagues comprehend the scale and importance of our tasks, and that you will do everything possible to establish a competitive shipbuilding centre capable of manufacturing modern and highly popular products. Zvezda is sure to join the list of leading shipyards in Russia and internationally.
I would like to thank the management and all Zvezda employees for their conscientious work, for their achievements, and I wish all of you, all your colleagues and partners, including foreign and Russian colleagues and partners, every success and all the best.
Thank you very much, and I wish you good luck.