The regional Ministry of industry, trade and energy of Astrakhan Oblast has received a confirmation from the federal Ministry of industry and trade of the plan to build a series of container ships for the Caspian by 2027, the Oblast government said in a statement.
The project will be realized under a programme for privileged leasing of commercial vessels adopted by the RF Government. In December 2022, State Transport Leasing Company (GTLK) concluded a contract for building four container ships for the Caspian.
The design of the vessels under construction at Lotos Shipyard is adapted to the conditions of the Caspian. They have a capacity of 530 containers and can also carry any kind of dry cargo in two holds including grain, timber and logs, sawn goods, and general cargo.
This is the first Russian made design of a dry cargo / container vessel capable of transporting ISO containers including reefer containers. They will also have a large capacity to carry heavylift cargo.
The dimensions of the container vessels are similar to those of the Volgo-Don Max class of dry cargo ships. They can navigate both in sea areas and in Russia’s inland waterways provided they meet size and draft restrictions.
The propulsion unit of the vessels will consist of two medium speed 1,200 kWt diesel engines and two rudder propellers made by Zvezdochka Shipbuilding Center, part of Russia’s United Shipbuilding Corporation.