At the Sredne-Nevsky Shipbuilding Plant (part of United Shipbuilding Corporation) in St. Petersburg, Viktor Astafyev, a passenger motor ship designed for Arctic operations, was launched. In 2025, this river-sea class vessel will navigate on the Yenisei River between Krasnoyarsk and Dudinka, reported Vedomosti citing United Shipbuilding Corporation's press service.

Viktor Astafyev, a project A45-90.2 vessel, represents Sredne-Nevsky Shipyard's largest civilian order commenced in 2020. Simultaneously, two such motor ships are being constructed under a contract with State Transport Leasing Company worth RUB 5 bn. The second vessel Andrey Dubensky was laid down in 2021.

The motor ship will serve a route where water transport is essential for long-distance passenger travel. Adapted to Arctic conditions, this vessel can carry 245 passengers on routes extending up to 5,000 km.

The ship features amenities including a restaurant, bars, a medical cabin, storage facilities and a passenger elevator. Accommodations include comfort-class cabins, seven deluxe cabins and one double cabin designed for physically challenged passengers.

Image attribution: Shutterstock