Russia's state-owned United Shipbuilding Corporation, through its Krasnoye Sormovo division, has launched a new river cruise ship ordered by local shipping company Vodohod.
Nikolay Zharkov is the first ship to be built under the Project 00840 series, which have been designed to be capable of navigating in rivers and in the open sea. Three ships in the series are under various stages of construction.
Upon completion, the ship will have space for 180 passengers and 97 crewmembers across four decks, two azimuthing propellers, and dimensions that would permit passage through the locks of the White Sea-Baltic Canal.
Onboard facilities will include a spa, a sauna, a sun deck, a heated pool, and a restaurant. The guest cabins will include those with balconies as well as one for passengers with disabilities.
Delivery of Nikolay Zharkov is scheduled for the fourth quarter of 2025. The ship will commence operational sailings under Vodohod in early 2026.
Design work on the Project 00480 ships was undertaken by Vympel Design Bureau.