Boris Kabakov, Director of the Shipbuilding and Marine Equipment Department of the Ministry of Industry and Trade, announced the prospects of creating a new centre for large-scale shipbuilding at the Shipbuilding in the Arctic Forum, which was held in Arkhangelsk.

In its turn, the United Shipbuilding Corporation (USC) is going to establish partnerships with foreign shipyards to solve the same problem and provide new large-capacity vessels to the Russian commercial fleet. According to Alexander Babich, a representative of the USC, specialised enterprises from Iran, Brazil and India could take part in international cooperation. In addition, the USC aims to develop existing shipyards in Russia. One of the possible options is the modernisation of Murmansk shipbuilding facilities.

The need to increase the domestic commercial fleet is directly related to the development of the Arctic. Expansion of economic activity beyond the Arctic Circle, increase of raw materials and energy resources export, as well as promotion of coastal shipping and international transit on the NSR are the factors that form new requirements for ships, including large-capacity ones.

To remind, the Head of Novatek, one of the key players in the Russian Arctic, expressed his desire to significantly expand the company's own fleet during the SPIEF-2022. At present, the bulk of orders in this field is processed by Zvezda, the modern Far Eastern shipyard, but its capabilities are insufficient to meet the growing demand. Creation of new shipbuilding centres in Russia, as well as equipment and renovation of existing facilities, will additionally stimulate the industrial development of the country and its northern regions, and form multiplier effects which will positively influence the country's economy.