The "Krasnoe Sormovo" plant launched the new cruise liner "Nikolay Zharkov."

      July 11, 2025 16:44

      [201]

      Economy

      At the Volga Sormovo Shipyard in Nizhny Novgorod, the launch of the new cruise ship "Nikolay Zharkov" took place. This was reported by United Shipbuilding Corporation.

      The vessel became the first in the series of cruise liners of the "Karelia" project. Its construction was carried out for the company "Vodohody" and became part of the state program of passenger fleet renewal, supported by the Russian government.

      As noted by the First Deputy Prime Minister of Russia, Denis Manturov, the liner is planned to be handed over to the customer by the end of the year, so that next spring it can commence its first voyage on tourist routes. He also emphasized that in the next three years, two more ships of this series are expected to be completed at Sormovo.

      "This will allow the 'Krasnoe Sormovo' shipyard to establish itself as one of the key Russian shipbuilding yards for the construction of modern, comfortable cruise ships for river-sea navigation," he said, adding that the launch of the "Mustai Karim" liner marked the beginning of restoring decades-lost competencies in this segment of domestic shipbuilding.

      Andrey Puchkov, General Director of United Shipbuilding Corporation, noted that despite challenging external conditions, the plant successfully fulfilled the task. He emphasized that "Nikolay Zharkov" is the first vessel of a new series, and its construction opens a new chapter in the development of domestic cruise shipbuilding.

      According to Evgeny Ditrikh, head of the State Transport Leasing Company, the development of river tourism requires comprehensive government support, especially in stimulating demand. He highlighted that domestic tourism in Russia is actively growing, and building modern ships is an important part of this process.

      The "Karelia" project was developed by the design bureau "Vympel," taking into account the operational experience of the "Mustai Karim" cruise ship. The new liner features an improved design: it is equipped with two azipod propulsion units, a vertical bow, and transom stern, providing high maneuverability even in limited port and canal spaces.

      Ships of this project are intended for operation on Russia's internal waterways, as well as in the Caspian, Azov, Black, White, and Baltic Seas, including routes to the Solovetsky Islands.

      Compact dimensions allow the ships to pass through the locks of the Belomor-Baltic Canal, expanding the geography of cruise routes. The engine compartment is located at the stern, and passenger cabins are situated on four decks: the main, middle, boat, and sun decks. The ship is equipped with all conditions for comfortable leisure, from a spacious restaurant with panoramic glazing over three meters high to modern cabins with balconies and verandas. There will also be a heated swimming pool, a SPA zone, and a sauna.

      The liner is designed for 180 passengers, with 97 crew members aboard. The vessel includes 30 standard cabins, one wheelchair-accessible cabin, 44 balcony cabins, 10 "Deluxe" cabins, and 2 "Grand Suite" cabins.

      It was previously reported that the oldest steamboat "N.V. Gogol," built in 1911 at the Sormovo shipyard (today part of USC "Krasnoe Sormovo"), will mark its 114th navigation season.

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