Sea trials completed for new Russian river ferry

Russia’s Ushakov Shipyards has completed conducting sea trials of a new river-capable passenger vessel to be used as both a commuter ferry and a sightseeing boat.

Iniya was designed by United Shipbuilding Corporation’s Onega Research Design and Technology Bureau for local owner Mashpromlizing. The vessel will be able to transport 54 passengers including wheelchair-bound individuals.

The ferry will be operated in Pskov Oblast in the country’s northwest.

Iniya is the second in a series of shallow-draught ferries that also includes Sotaliya, which was delivered to local shipowner Vodohod in 2023.

Some of our readers have expressed disquiet at our publication of reviews and articles describing new vessels from Russia. We at Baird Maritime can understand and sympathise with those views. However, despite the behaviour of the country’s leaders, we believe that the maritime world needs to learn of the latest developments in vessel design and construction there.