The head of media relations at Yantar Shipyard, Sergey Mihailov, said that the Russian Ministry of Defence would be able to take delivery of a new landing ship in 2012.
"The formation of the hull is coming to the end," said Mr Milhailov. "As of November 1, the workers of the plant have established the last hull section on the ship. Having received the front block, the hull took a complete form, and assembly works reached the finishing stage."
'Ivan Gren' will be delivered, possibly, by the end of 2011, he added.
Mr Milhailov said that the slow pace of construction prior to 2008 was due to slow financing. However, he said that in 2010, more funds would be readily available, ensuring a quickened pace of work.