Putin directs Russia's shipbuilding industry to focus on ice-capable vessels

President of Russia Vladimir Putin has directed the country's shipbuilders to prioritise the construction of icebreakers and other ice-capable vessels for deployment along specific shipping lanes.

Speaking to local industry officials on Sunday, June 29, Mr Putin remarked that the development of Russia's shipbuilding industry would contribute to the country's standing as a maritime power in addition to providing opportunities for enhancing other areas such as scientific research and national defence.

Mr Putin pointed out that at present, the country's shipbuilding industry is being compelled to overcome challenges such as updating existing production equipment and deploying new equipment, mastering competitive technology, deepening international cooperation and cultivating a highly skilled workforce.

Mr Putin said that, to help ensure the security of Russia's maritime borders, priority must be given to the expansion of shipbuilding capacity to accommodate additional icebreaker and ice-capable ship construction projects. This would then ensure available numbers of vessels for year-round navigation along the Trans-Arctic Transport Corridor and the Northern Sea Route.