Russia begins building ships for North-South trade route to Iran

The first block for a new class of inland container ships designed to transport dry bulk cargo has been laid at the Lotos shipyard, which is owned by United Shipbuilding Corporation in Russia. The lead ship of the class will be constructed with the largest allowable dimensions for the Volga-Don Canal in Russia. It will have a cargo capacity of between 5,000 and 9,200 tons for river and sea transport, respectively, and it can transport any type of dry cargo, including oversized items. USC officials stated that the keel laying serves as proof that Russian shipbuilding is progressing despite sanctions imposed by the US government in April 2022.

The ships will make important contributions to Russia’s plans for the North-South International Transport Corridor, which is connected to Iran’s railway and road system. The new corridor is expected to extend for 4,500 miles, and allow cargo to be sent to Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, and Turkmenistan. Russian officials predict significant growth in trade along the route with the contribution of these new ships, estimating that transportation will increase from 17 million tons to 32 million tons by 2030. The first of the new ships is scheduled to enter service in 2024, and two ships of the class will be delivered in the first year, and two more ships the following year.

Tags: Russia,Iran,shipbuilding,construction,container,bulk,.


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