Volga Shipping Co embarks on a fleet modernization programme. At stage one, four RSD71 Project river-sea going dry cargo vessels. The entire programme envisages delivery of some 20 bulkers of the project by 2030. The construction of the first vessels in the series is scheduled to start in 2021.
According to Yury Gilts, MD of Volga Shipping, two vessels are to be delivered in 2022 and two more in 2023. From there on, the company intends building two to four ships a year replacing with them older Omsky and Sormovsky vessels that will have to be decommissioned starting 5-8 years from now.
Modernizing the fleet will allow the company to expand its geography and cargo base in the most attractive market segments. The new RSD71 Project is even more universal than the Volgo-Don Max class. The RSD71 vessels will be 120 m LOA and have a deadweight of 7,100 tons at sea and 4,300 tons in the river. They will be able to operate in shallow areas in the river and have a larger navigation area at sea.
The RSD71 Project ships will have a maximum automation class and comply with all the modern environmental and energy efficiency requirements.
The series will be built at the Okskaya Verf, which is part of Volg Shipping.