The United Shipbuilding Corporation (USC), Russia, has announced a plan to develop four specialised shipbuilding regions to stimulate industry.
"Zone East in Primorsky Krai will specialise in the construction of ocean-going platforms [drill rigs], and large-displacement transport vessels," Vyacheslav Shport, Governor of Khabarovski Krai, said.
"Zone Amur will be oriented on the construction of military-oriented submarines and surface ships, and also civil vessels," he said.
The Khabarovsk shipyard is reported to aim its focus on ships of low tonnage, with civil and commercial orientation, while the fourth zone – Zone Zvezda – will construct gas tankers with capacities up to 250,000 tonnes.
"Such kind of vessels have not been manufactured before [in Russia], and production is dictated by the development of gas industry and large-scale building of gas pipe systems," Mr Shport said.
The statements have been criticised as empty promises, however, by commentators within the Russian media, who cite poor financing and massive time delays within USC.
