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MAGAZINE OF THE UNITED CORPORATION №3 (39) 2019

FEATURE ONE 60 YEARS CONQUERORS OF THE NUCLEAR OF ICE FLEET

The heart Colossus's Guiding of a naval power anniversary srta ADMIRALTY MARKS 80 YEARS OF THE GRAND 65TH ANNIVERSARY OF 'S THE 315TH ANNIVERSARY PROJECT LEADING SHIPBUILDER p. 05 p. 10 p. 26 YEARS YEARS SINCE THE ESTABLISHMENT OF SINCE THE ESTABLISHMENT OF SEVMASH PRESIDENT’S COLUMN

A YEAR OF GRAND ACHIEVEMENTS

The departing year marked numerous grand changes. USC’s enterprises gained invaluable experience and expertise, having expanded the range of their products

Plant laid down the innovative small research vessel Pioner-M, featuring a composite hull. Also, laid down at Admiralty Shipyards was the ice-resistant self-propelled platform Severny Polus (Russian for Northern Pole) signifying yet another step in the exploration. This said, USC still makes it a priority to attend to the state armament procurement program. This year saw the anniversaries of several key defense facilities in Russia, including Admiralty Shipyards, Sevmash, and Zvezdochka. Each of them makes a hefty contribution to Russia’s defense potential and development of domestic shipbuilding. Admiralty Shipyards floated out an Ivan Papanin- class ice-capable patrol and conducted tests of the Project 636.3 diesel-electric Petropavlovsk-Kamchatski. built and tested the Project 22350 frigate Admiral of the Fleet Kasatonov and Project 20385 corvette Gremyashchy. Yantar and Sevmash are in the middle of trials of uilt at the Baltic , the Academician the Project 11711 large landing ship Peter Morgunov Lomonosov floating power unit became and Knyaz Vladimir respectively. a breakthrough equally in the shipbuilding Efforts are apace at the Sredne-Nevskiy Shipyard and energy sectors. Her delivery to to build a range of Project 12700 minesweepers, the customer this year marked a significant while the laid down four milestone in the life of the enterprise and small missile and floated out the Project 20380 Bcorporation. Naturally, such platforms, facing good corvette Aldar Tsidenzhapov. These are just export prospective, will fit in Russia’s future just fine. few hallmarks in the implementation of the state A 20-year stagnation spell in Russia’s fishing armament procurement program this year. shipbuilding was broken by the Project SK-3101R lead USC spares no effort to contribute to ship Leninets, built at Yantar. The , the prosperity of our Fatherland and jumps at every as well as other facilities, traditionally catering to chance to let Russia maintain its status of a naval the needs of the Navy, Severnaya Verf shipbuilding power. plant and Admiralty Shipyards among them, also I sincerely congratulate our strong and solid contribute to the trend, constructing advanced team of shipbuilders on the accomplishments trawlers and long-liners. of the departing year and wish all and every Another significant development came through in member of the corporation health, wealth, and new the cruise ship sector. Despite the fact that they had professional achievements! to start almost from scratch, USC’s shipyards already Happy New Year! construct two classes of modern and comfortable cruise ships, namely PV300 and PKS 180 Golden Ring. Finally, science was a buzzword in USC throughout the year referring to both fundamental and applied Alexei L. Rakhmanov aspects shaping the most advanced shipbuilding technologies. The Sredne-Nevskiy Shipbuilding President of the United Shipbuilding Corporation

№3 (39) 2019 USC / 1 P. 4 A FLEET OF A STRONG NATION P. 18 ICEBERG PROJECT P. 30 EXTRAORDINARY MISSIONS Protection of Russia’s interests Technologies OF SPECIAL SHIPS in the world ocean for the exploration Zvezdochka’s endeavor and extraction to build Project 20180 P. 5 315 YEARS IN SERVICE of hydrocarbons special purpose vessels, OF THE FATHERLAND in permanent ice zones designed by the Almaz Central Admiralty Shipyards, St. Petersburg’s oldest Maritime Design Bureau shipbuilder celebrates its anniversary P. 22 SMALL CARRIER WITH A GREAT P. 32 NEW AGE OF SHIPBUILDING P. 10 NORTHERN COLOSSUS POTENTIAL Sector’s global Sevmash, Russia’s oldest shipyard Urgency to design development trends celebrates its 80th anniversary and build a relatively compact carrier P. 34 HIS SHIPS P. 16 PRICING AND PRICE COMPETITION The biography of Georgy IN SHIPBUILDING P. 26 YAGRA’S Chernishev, an outstanding Analysis of USC’s major indicators SHIPBUILDERS chief designer of St. Petersburg’s in the past five years Zvezdochka’s history Marine Design Bureau "Malachite" Magazine of the United ShiPBUiLding CoRPoRation №3 (39) 2019

feature one 60 years Conquerors of the nuClear iCebreaker of iCe fleet

The hearT Colossus's GuidinG of a naval power anniversary sTar admiralty shipyards marks 80 years of the grand 65th anniversary of russia's the 315th anniversary projeCt sevmash leading shipbuilder p. 05 p. 10 p. 26

JSC ‘USC’ JOURNAL. Circulation: 999 pieces Address: 115184, Moscow, Bolshaya Tatarskaya str. 11.

JSC ‘USC’ President: Alexei Rakhmanov. www.aoosk.ru

Chief Editor: Aliya Karimova.

Executive Editor: Maria Arsenieva.

Design and layout: “KLIMOV DESIGN STUDIO”. Tel.: +7 (499) 740-60-18. www.klimov-design.ru

The opinion of authors may not coincide with the position of the editorial board.

Cover: Photos for the collage sourced from www.shutterstock.com

P. 38 SCIENTIFIC BREAKTHROUGH TO THE SOUTHERN HEMISPHERE Comprehensive Expedition of the USSR Academy of Sciences

P. 44 TO THE 60TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE NUCLEAR ICEBREAKER FLEET The pride of Russia’s shipbuilding

P. 46 GRAVITY POLE A round table held in acknowledgment of the 60th anniversary of the Nuclear Icebreaker Fleet

P. 48 TIME TO COLLECT KNOWLEDGE Corporate knowledge management system in operation

P. 50 EMBASSY OF SHIPBUILDING USC’s Demonstration Center on the premises of Patriot

P. 52 SHOWING RUSSIA STRONG Interview with artist Zinaida Yusova FUNDAMENTAL STRATEGIC SECURITY

Close cooperation between the Navy’s supreme command and USC’s management largely predetermined successful accomplishment of a number of important objectives. For the first time, a strategic nuclear submarine successfully launched four Bulava ballistic missiles at the Kura range. The ’s aviation and naval forces held the Ocean Shield exercise in the Mediterranean Sea. During the mastering of a deep-sea diving system, installed on state-of-the-art rescue ship Igor Belousov, rescue teams of the Pacific Fleet set another record of submergence depth. Finally, in 2017–2018, for the first time in modern Russian history, St. Petersburg saw the Main Naval Parade, which was reviewed by the Supreme Commander-in-Chief. It involved surface ships, A Fleet of , and aircraft of all Russian fleets and the Caspian Flotilla. Oceanographic research vessel Admiral a Strong Nation Vladimirsky restored the practice of round- the-world voyages and performed large-scale studies of the World Ocean. Training ship Perekop, The Russian Navy is a crucial element of the country’s with cadets on board, performed a round-the-world national security system. In peacetime, it defends voyage and sailed through the Arctic waters of Russia’s interests in the World Ocean, maintaining the without icebreaker support. The renewal of the Russian fleet keeps going military and political stability on global and regional quite intensively. Under the state arms program, levels. In wartime, it repulses the aggression coming the Navy is due to receive more than 180 warships. from seas and oceans This year alone, the Navy is to receive dozens of combat ships and support vessels. The share of new and upgraded weapon systems in the inventory of VLADIMIR KOROLYOV the Russian Navy has also increased. And the total USC Vice-President, time in operation of ships and submarines has Commander-in-Chief of the Russian Navy from 2016 through 2019, Admiral exceeded 5,000 operating days! This was achieved thanks to both the manufacturers of reliable naval equipment and those who operated it with superb professionalism. In the current year, the priority for the Navy and ussian shipbuilders and naval the United Shipbuilding Corporation is to complete officers clearly understand our goal, trials of dock landing ship Pyotr Morgunov, frigate which is to set up a Navy featuring Admiral Kasatonov, corvette Gremyashchy, and a well-balanced composition a series of mine countermeasure vessels. R and cutting-edge equipment. The Navy command will continue to work hand Several lines of development have been defined in hand with defense companies on such projects in the state arms program. The primary goals as serial construction of large-displacement ships; are to uphold proper combat potential of strategic improvement of the Project 1155 anti-submarine naval nuclear forces by constructing the Borei- guided missile ; and repair and refit class ballistic missile submarines, as well as to of heavy nuclear-powered guided missile build up the combat capability of general-purpose Admiral Nakhimov and Admiral naval forces by making ships for ocean and sea Kuznetsov. (long- and short-range) operations. In addition, Of course, the Navy will continue to keep an eye we must upgrade the ships that have a significant on the construction of the Project 636.3 submarines potential in these aspects, reinforce naval aviation for the Pacific Fleet and the Lada-class submarines. with modern aircraft, and supply coastal missile Continuous development of the fleet is a fair systems to the Coastal Troops of the Russian need, which has been proven by the entire Navy. It is also important to establish strategic history of Russia. For a country that has access non-nuclear deterrence forces, made up of ships to 12 seas and three oceans and whose maritime carrying long-range precision weapons; modernize borders are twice as long as the land ones, it’s Navy bases; and ensure balanced supplies a must to maintain, build, and develop a Navy, of armament and ammunition. which could defend its national interests.

4 / USC №3 (39) 2019 FUNDAMENTAL ANNIVERSARY ADMIRALTY SHIPYARDS

YEARS IN SERVICE OF THE FATHERLAND

RENATA ZELENSKAYA correspondent, Admiralteets corporate newspaper

Admiralty Shipyards in St. Petersburg is not just the city’s ‘younger brother’. Without the shipyards the city on the Neva would have never become, what its founder, , had in his mind for it – the capital of the empire. Without ships and vessels floated out from Admiralty Shipyards Russia would have not emerged a naval power

istory is objective, it is its coverage and interpretations are subjective. But since facts are rather stubborn, here is an entry in the Log of Peter I’s Tours made by the royal member himself, “…1704, November. On the fifth day we laid down the Admiralty building, stretching 200 fathoms long and 100 fathoms across, went to Osteria and had fun there.” It is that day and 426.7x213.4m construction site on the left bank of the Neva that kicked off the history of St. Petersburg’s first industrial facility, the most adored brainchild of Peter the Great, who owes it to the Admiralty HShipyard that his dream came true – Russian ships and vessels got free access to the sea. >>

№3 (39) 2019 USC / 5 In July 2018, located on the seabed was armored cruiser Dmitry Donskoy, constructed in May 1881 at New Admiralty Shipyard, whose full-fledged successor is today’s Admiralty Shipyards

GALLEYS, Poltava battleship. Peter Pikart, engraving, 1717 >> AND SECRET VESSELS The first six years of its life the shipyard of the Petrogradskaya and Petrovskaya constructed small vessels, e.g. shnyavas, galleys, embankments, welcomes everyone, who brigantines, etc. December 1709 witnessed wants to reminisce, fathom the present and the laying down of a battleship based on a royal think about the future. drawing, the Poltava carrying 54 guns. The floating Since their inception, the shipyards out of the first Russian ship suitable for blue- constructed 3,000 ships and vessels of water navigation in 1712 marked a milestone in various classes and categories. Among them the development of the Russian Navy. One does not are 400-plus submarines and deep-diving need a time machine to fathom the endeavor and craft. Everything began with the secret vessel, its results. A trip to Lakhta’s historical shipyard will proposed by a peasant, Yefim Nikonov, who do, since an effort has been apace in the village for demonstrated the invention to Peter I as several years already to build a replica of the Poltava, the protracted Northern War drew to its end. based on the engineering and technological However, 300 years ago, good fortune was approaches in shipbuilding adopted 300 years ago. July 2019 not kind to the inventor. The vessel was floated off three times, became particularly memorable in the life of the modern twin with every attempt to submerge resulting in her sustaining sister-ship. No sooner did the Poltava moored at the English various damages. The recognition came far later: secret Quay in St. Petersburg as she set sails to join the parade vessels – modern submarines – are a major specialization on July 28, celebrating the Day of the Russian Navy. of Admiralty Shipyards today. Besides them, shipbuilders In July 2018, the armored cruiser Dmitry Donskoy constructed at the facility 70 deep-diving craft and submersible was located on the seabed. It landed a true sensation, covered vehicles. Today the enterprise, Russia’s conventional by leading mass media agencies. The ship owes her fame not shipbuilding center, account for 1 percent of St. Petersburg’s only to the fact, that she allegedly carried gold for the Pacific gross product. Squadron during the Russo-Japanese War. What matters for Admiralty Shipyards has always been in for projects us, shipbuilders, is that she was laid down in May 1881 at New outside of its main line of business, having a hand in shaping Admiralty Shipyard, whose full-fledged successor is today’s a special image of the city. It is here that scores of items were Admiralty Shipyards. produced for various city sites, including cast-iron and metal It is here as well that the Aurora cruiser was laid down suspension components for multiple bridges, e.g. the Bridge six years later to take part in the Tsushima battle of the Russo- of Four Lions, Bank Bridge, Egyptian Bridge. All of them are Japanese War, Great War, Civil War and ultimately the Great still hallmarks of the city. Other places bearing the enterprise’s Patriotic War. It does not make much sense to speak at footprint are St. Isaac’s Cathedral, Alexander Column, as well length about the meaning of her blank shot in October 1917. as bleachers for public events in Palace Square. It changed the course of Russia’s history for years to come... Engineers, experts and men of Admiralty Shipyards The renovated exposition of the museum ship, returned from created ships in various years, which became benchmarks in her overhaul to her permanent mooring site at the crossing the Russian Navy. Among them is the 18-gun pram Gangut,

6 / USC №3 (39) 2019 ANNIVERSARY ADMIRALTY SHIPYARDS

the first Russian battleship, constructed at the shipyard. 40 percent in 2019. Attesting to this Russia has always been known as a pioneer in shipbuilding. are two first trawlers for Russian Attesting to this are the first-ever steamer Elizaveta, armored Fishery Company laid down this year. floating battery Do Not Touch Me, the first sea-going These will become the first large boat Vzryv (Russian for explosion), the first Russian all-metal, fishing vessels produced in 30 years armored deck corvette-class cruiser Vityaz, which became in Russia and our enterprise will take the prototype of the squadron battleship Petr Veliky (Russian credit for it. ALEXANDER for Peter the Great) and others. And these does not end the list, BUZAKOV The Soviet era marked some remarkable breakthroughs since April marked the beginning Director General, Admiralty Shipyards as well, including the first-ever icebreaker , handed of another project, the construction over to the Soviet Ministry of the Navy in December 1959, of the ice-resistant self-propelled “Admiralty and the largest in the world fish-processing ship , platform Severny Polus (Russian Shipyards, parented constructed in 1971. Our readers will remember that during Northern Pole) went in full swing in by the United the Great Patriotic War Admiralty Shipyards continued building the interest of the Federal Service for Shipbuilding Corp., is the oldest shipyard and repairing ships and vessels even when Leningrad was Hydrometeorology and Environment in our country. besieged. When stagnation, so much memorable to our Monitoring (Rosgidromet). But I am a true veterans in shipbuilding, hit the industry, the shipyard took The research center based on believer in this notion part in the construction of tracking ships Marshal Krylov and the all-weather platform will perform that old does not Marshal Nedelin, designed for the development of advanced year-round surveys in high latitudes mean dated. Having been in business missile and space systems. of the . for 3 centuries, the enterprise has HEAD ON TO THE ARCTIC RUSSIA’S FLAG gained enormous SHIPBUILDER expertise; it is upgraded, retooled Admiralty Shipyards is now focused on the development and confident of hi-tech ice-capable ships in the surface shipbuilding sector. This said, the submarine in its future.” November 2017 saw the delivery of the conventional sector has always been the major icebreaker Ilya Muromets to the customer, starting an Arctic line of business at the Admiralty group. Combining the capabilities of a tug, icebreaker and Shipyards. Attesting to this is patrol boat, the ship has proven its worthiness over the the fact that the Russian Ministry of Defense signed 1.5 years that she has been in service, paving the way for a contract with the shipyard for construction of two ships in ice and taking part in tours of the Arctic group of conventional Lada-class fourth-generation submarines the . (Project 677) at Army-2019. Yet another multi-purpose ship is in construction Kronshtadt, a second submarine in the class, was at the shipyard today to further protect interests of the state floated out in September 2018. Last touches are made in the Arctic, namely patrol icebreaker Ivan Papanin. to her today, fine-tuning systems and equipment, while There has been a trend taking shape recently she makes her way through dockside trials. A third in the enterprise’s production profile of a growing share ordered submarine, Velikiye Luki, is at the phase of unit of commercial shipbuilding with a chance of reaching construction, having bulk equipment deployed in its >>

Already into the fourth century of its development Admiralty Shipyards successfully combines experience and modern technologies

№3 (39) 2019 USC / 7 The icebreaker Ilya Muromets, delivered to the Russian Navy in November 2017, performs her duties diligently as part of the Arctic group of the Northern Fleet

standard places. All boats are manufactured WALKING THE TECHNICAL PROGRESS PATH to the specifications revised in the wake of >> operational testing of the lead submarine. Such outstanding breakthroughs in shipbuilding would have The submarines received a deeply modernized ship been far humbler but for the attention paid at the facility to retooling machinery control system, electric propulsion system, and production modernization. In the past five years, the shipyard and navigational suite. made a significant leap forward. In 2016, marking the 110th anniversary of the The enterprise takes part in three projects already apace in submarine fleet and 320th anniversary of the Russian this area, namely the federal earmark Development of the Defense Navy, the shipyard finished building six Project 636 boats Industrial Complex in 2011-2020, retooling plan, and the program for for the Fleet. The construction of one submarine Acquisition of Equipment and Movement of Property of the Admiralty takes about three years. These include trials and tests. Shipyards from Novo-Admiralteysky Island (Russian for new admiralty). However, some boats in the class were commissioned However, the largest project so far has been the development faster to enhance the Navy in solving tasks facing it. of the shipyard’s building and commissioning shop into a closed- In 2016, the Russian MoD placed an order with loop advanced system for construction and maintenance of Admiralty Shipyards to build a Pacific series of six conventional submarines, which will provide for a construction rate big Project 636 diesel submarines. While we are at of four boats per year and broaden the capabilities of the shipyard the topic of the Pacific Fleet, it would not be out of order in cutting construction and maintenance time. Also, commissioned to mention another ship in its ranks, built at Admiralty have been a new metalwork and hull shop complete with a site Shipyards, namely the rescue vessel Igor Belousov. for construction of titanium alloy items and a battery charging Autumn 2018 saw the first-ever in the history of Russia’s station. Work is in progress to build a laboratory test building, Navy diving operation, performed from the ship in a bell equip the cleaning, painting and special coating chamber, as well to a depth of 416m with subsequent walk on the seabed. as retool and renovate machine-building sites.

8 / USC №3 (39) 2019 ANNIVERSARY ADMIRALTY SHIPYARDS

In spring 2015, a new pipe processing operation sprang to life, production sites. In 2018, another four production development combining the whole technological cycle of pipe work, including measures were implemented and 11 more were given the go- tests, x-ray checks and storing, now provided on the premises ahead. These encompass both production and business sectors. of one building, which has a positive impact on the overall The measures have resulted in an aggregate gain of more than effectiveness. The new shop features an automated warehouse 143 mln. RUR. with a capacity of 90t for storing engineering items. It takes the whole staff to integrate new solutions and Another know-how adopted at the shipyard is a 3D modeling principles. At Admiralty Shipyards the process involves chamber for measurement of templates. It includes personnel of various categories from a store 16 video cameras to take measurements with great keeper and auxiliary personnel to machine precision, which are visualized and fed to a CNC operators and site supervisors. Besides THE AGE machine for final processing and bending of pipes. OF 315 YEARS the operation sites, the careful production Apart from this large-scale project for IS HONORABLE initiative requires participation of specialists with deployment of a system for construction of AND VERY FEW the technical and engineer centers, acquisition conventional submarines, provisions have ENTERPRISES CAN section, accounting office, and IT center. been made for retooling other shops as well. BOAST THAT THEY Obviously, transition to a new labor HAVE BEEN ABLE TO The shipyard is busy today reconstructing LOG AS MANY YEARS system as any development measure is the ventilation system of the building and IN RUSSIA’S HISTORY, multiphased and complex. For the magical commissioning shop and warehouse, as well LET ALONE CONTINUE formula ‘Minimum Costs – Maximum Results’ as purchasing and deploying machines in THEIR DEVELOPMENT. to gain traction, much has to be done with ADMIRALTY production shops. Besides, the enterprise keeps SHIPYARDS CAN. every step taken in accordance with the plan, moving its operation from Novo-Admiralteysky adjusted to the current situation. Thus, a lot Island to improve logistics in the southern and Why? The answer is obvious. of attention is paid to the training of the staff central facilities, cut overhead costs and build The shipyard is not just in the manufacturing and careful production up the production potential. This modernization about production buildings, basics, kicked off last year. Specialists with equipment and technologies, endeavor does not affect the production operation, but first and foremost it is the Production Development Section, who thus has no impact on the current obligations of about people, dynasties received the training earlier, share their the shipyard. of employees, united by expertise with workers and engineers with a common goal, traditions due consideration of the specific nature of and fate. Well, then the age of employment conditions in various sections PHILOSOPHY OF SUCCESS any enterprise is determined by the age of people working and divisions of the shipyard of each person. Industrial psychologists claim that the there. Our shipyard is getting In the anniversary 315th year, apart from trademark style of an enterprise can tell one if not younger today. Attracted to lectures and tours of a model site the staff have its fate but at least development routs of the facility. this place are young and the opportunity to sign up for the interactive promising specialists with The abbreviated name of Admiralty Shipyards in a patriotic and ambitious course ‘USC’s Production Systems Basics.’ Russian, AV, speaks loud and clear; it does not mindset. They will shape Learning of theory is not what it is all about need to be explained. The 315-year long history the future, it is them, for it is essential to implement the received attests to this. Since we live in an industrial age, shipbuilders, who comprise skills and knowledge in the production the most precious asset of it is essential to build a lean and straightforward operation as well. The first run of the course Admiralty Shipyards. Indeed, system and have production operations focused our staff are fond of their job, this year will cover 1,500 personnel, while on development and improvement. for their dear plant is their the next will have everybody trained in new The staple of success today and in the future second home. They respect manufacturing principles and approaches. Not is competitiveness and quality, high technologies, the shipyard’s older stairstep least important is the fact that the mentors brother, St. Petersburg, skills of the managing staff and qualification of and continue doing what themselves never ceases training and the personnel. In 2017, an effort kicked off at the Peter I loved most, i.e. broadening their professional competences. shipyard to implement a large-scale project for development of the fleet of In March-June, the Admiralty Shipyards integration of a careful production approach under our great country, but already hosted a USC-sponsored training program in the 21st century. USC’s strategy. To this end, the shipyard selected for manufacturing system instructors. It was the mast raising equipment (MRE) site of the attended by 34 specialists from 14 enterprises of machine-building operation for as the pilot facility. the corporation from the Amur and Khabarovsk Phase 1 required to cut overhead shipyards to Sevmash and costs. For starters, it was required to Zvezdochka. locate tight spots, which paved the This year’s major task way to another 18 measures on the is to implement around plan list. This resulted in that instead 40 projects, achieving an of 20 months previously earmarked aggregate economic impact for production of one MRE the of at least 500 mln. RUR. operation needs only 16 months. Part of them are already Gain without significant funds is in progress while the others the desirable result of the careful are being prepared. production approach integration. Then the program footprint Laid down in April 2019, the ice-resistant self-propelled platform Severny Polus expanded to the hull and special tool (Russian for Northern Pole) is on track to signify yet another step in the Arctic development

№3 (39) 2019 USC / 9 ANNIVERSARY SEVMASH NORTHERN COLOSSUS

YEKATERINA PILIKINA Head of the Information Service, Sevmash

10 / USC №3 (39) 2019 December 21, 2019 will mark the 80th anniversary of Sevmash, Russia’s largest shipyard. Spread over hundreds of hectares, it builds and launches the largest and fastest nuclear submarines, boasting the capability to dive deeper than any other counterpart in the word. This said, the facility takes more pride in its staff than anything else, since it is them who shaped its glorious history

am going through yellowed pages. All columns of Molotov’s newspaper Stalinets, released on December 21, 1939 speak about the 60th anniversary of the leader. Of course, there is not a single line about that grand present, which had been prepared for several years in conditions of extreme secrecy. For a moment, it was the grand project of the century. Work was apace to build a giant plant, which according to the design equaled the capacity of all shipbuilding facilities in Leningrad put together and the fledgling Soviet country was so much desperate to Iget for construction of military and commercial ships of all classes. Here in the North, amid limitless marshes grew Plant No. 402, later renamed to Northern Machine-Building Enterprise. The facility grew not by virtue of a miracle or supertechnologies (however, advanced equipment, unknown to other facilities in the country, was indeed committed to the project), but titanic, often yeoman’s labor of communists, best workers and Yagrinlag’s inmates. >>

№3 (39) 2019 USC / 11 MARSHES AND SEAS WILL STEP BACK! >> Back in January 1936, the USSR Council of Labor and Defense decided to lay down a huge shipbuilding plant in the vicinity of for construction of a powerful strategic fleet. What the country already had in Leningrad, Nikolaev and the were too vulnerable to attacks due to geography should a war break out. The new place was perfect in this respect. At least the committee thought so. Perched on the shore in the estuary of the Northern Dvina was the Nikolo- Korelsky monastery of the 15th century, which sheltered builders when the project gained traction. The location provided multiple opportunities. For starters, it had a direct access to the sea, which freezes ever so lightly, permanent and rather strong winds. Smoke, suitable for taking ships out for trials. Not least important was Flooring is apace bellowing from the tall pipe of the heat power in the Nikolo-Korelsky that Yagry Island protected the spot from the north. Finally, monastery, plant, after it was finished, hugged the ground. the place could be linked with the Isagorka station by a railway. 1936 Snow, stripped from banks and mounds, flew Stalin approved the choice, noting the wisdom of old monks horizontally, covering a just scraped road with in picking places for erecting their buildings. The plant was a meter-thick layer. Roads turned into tranches in winter. There supposed to spread over 300ha. The territory between the old were no villages at all in the vicinity. As a rule, food was brought house of God and the was flooded during tides. from outside, but covering only 50-70 percent of the military Ivan Kirilkin, heading the project, set major goals as follows: ration. A single-track railway was the only gateway to inhabited remove the peat cover to a depth of up to 0.5m and use sand places. As for land routes, there were no paths, let alone roads.” to raise the plot to 3m above the sea, pave highways, and erect Back to the pages of The White Sea Colossus and we are awed jetties, apartment and administrative buildings. “Marshes and by descriptions of wide streets, the most advanced equipment seas will step back. We only need to put up a fight and stay in the entire , the plant to built powerful ships and steadfast. And sure as hell we will win!” later he wrote in his city to become the most prosperous in the country’s North. book The White Sea Colossus. But Kirilin was indeed a visionary. Time proved him right, despite The inaugural ship, the Project 23 battleship Sovetskaya the fact that the real situation, staff and equipment included, were Belorussiya, was to be laid down in three years since Kirilkin’s unfavorable to say the least. appointment on December 21, 1939 to lead the construction of the facility. And this deadline, which Soviet authorities were THE GREATEST IN THE WORLD resolved to make coincide with Stalin’s birthday, was binding for all and everybody. For those who dared defying the decision The job to design the shipyard was given to two dozen it was fraught with consequences. Kirilkin wrote the book for specialized organizations and institutions. The government workers in an attempt to boost their morale, explain the task and enrolled the best hands of the country, including scientists, ultimately meet the deadline. It was an easy thing to do by no archaeologists, builders, etc. The project encompassed domestic means, since the construction site offered no basic conditions and foreign experience in the area of construction of shipyards. neither for living nor for work. Cold barracks, no amenities, As per the design, the giant plant spread over 7km was one-off lack of materials... both in the USSR and abroad. Sergey Bogolubov reminisced that Here how Sergey Bogolyubov, who took over the enterprise Adm. Olson, then the U.S. Naval Attache, had visited the place during the war, described the place: “Tundra. Deep, at some during the war and said, “Your plant is the greatest in the world. places reaching 11m below the surface, limitless peat swamps. We have no such giants in the U.S.” Not even a dry spot here. Everything has to be built on piles – But its construction set the USSR back quite a quid. houses, pavements, bridges to the houses. The whole place is According to Kirilkin, the aggregate total needed for the erection flooded. Stoves planted on the floor, if not supported by piles, of the city and shipyard was 800 mln. RUR. For the sake of would submerge by a meter over a year. Plank roads everywhere, comparison, consider the price of the country’s largest machine made from thick boards, would eventually end up buried in builder of the time, the Stalin Plant in Novo-Kramatorsk, worth the peat and new boards would be laid down on top of them. around 500 bln. RUR. Kirilkin had no illusions as for what a giant I spent two-three years and four layers were already underground. he and his workers had to erect. “A large plant is a huge city The lack of forests and the polar sea make the right recipe for of various shops. These shops are huge buildings, spacious

12 / USC №3 (39) 2019 The plant construction was making good progress, ANNIVERSARY 1939 SEVMASH

truly powerful and qualified staff of workers and engineers, created by our leaders of turbulent characters, too demanding first and foremost for themselves.” People came from shipbuilding facilities, as well as the best workers, employed in the Arkhangelsk regions. The screening process was serious. Selected were only those, who had achievements in his records. Soviet people followed their heart, arriving bushy-tailed and bright-eyed to erect a new city on the marshy land. Let us not be fooled for there were few money-driven workers. Some plants were reluctant to let go their golden boys and figured out a loophole. They picked some of their 3rd and 4th category staff and promoted to the 5th category to enough to house, for example, the village of Kudma, all its life send to the North. stock, property, and people,” he wrote later. Kirilkin and his people “fought the swamp” for a bit more Those who came to build the plant deserve special attention, than 2 years. May 1937 saw almost 10,000 people, toiling at the for these people comprised in a sense the DNA of the shipyard and construction site. Their sacrifices and selfless contributions did city. Before the war broke out it was obligatory for the shipbuilding not save the schedule from slipping 5-6 months. To expedite the facilities in the south and Leningrad, as well as on the process, Beriya, People’s Interior Commissar, intervened in May River to send workers of the 5th category and above, as well as 1939. His office took over the construction entirely. Inmates were engineers to the plant and city, brought in. Some sources taking shape in the North. The best suggest that their number of the Soviet intelligentsia ended reached 60,000. Kirilkin in this place. Innokenty Bakhtin, was relieved of his duties a veteran of the plant, who arrived for failing to keep up with in one of the first groups at the the schedule, accused of place, notes in his recollections espionage and sabotage, that heads of facilities stood out and sentenced to a prison for their “depth and intelligence, as term. In 1942, he died in well as independence in decision- the Vyatsky Correctional making, special attitude to work, Labor Camp. and ability to summon every bit of their enormous skills and expertise to organize any task in conditions A. Dolgikh’s invitation, of the new plant, which not just requesting the honor of started taking shape but was far his presence at Shop 1-3 (today’s Covered Slipway away from industrial centers and No. 2) on December 21, 1939 plants of our country. We got a for the plant commissioning ceremony >>

№3 (39) 2019 USC / 13 ANNIVERSARY SEVMASH

MICHAEL BUDNICHENKO Director General, Sevmash

The 80-year threshold in the life of a shipbuilding enterprise is a watershed moment, telling us whether the facility has passed its test by time. In our history we were put through various periods to include the Golden Age of Shipbuilding and dramatic production decline. Our shipbuilders 2008 saw a 12-fold growth survived and emerged proud of Sevmash’s net assets. winners. Today in the run- The pay grew 3.6 times up to our anniversary we in the past 11 years as are confident that Sevmash a staff retention measure. is facing a bright and solid The production capacity future. The enterprise stands increased 1.6 times in firm on the ground. Sevmash 2013-2018. Our ranks grew is one of the most advanced by around 5,000 people and largest shipbuilders during the period. in the country. The cradle The backlog that we of the first Soviet nuclear already have will keep us submarine, Sevmash busy for a decade. Today, remains unsurpassed in this Sevmash is building two job among other Russian units of Yasen-M- and Nuclear submarine Alexander Nevsky facilities, since it has built Borey-A-class nuclear 132 nuclear submarines, submarines, repairing accounting for more than a Project 11442M ship a half of the Russian and maintaining nuclear submarine fleet. More than submarines and off-shore often we had to pioneer new ice-resistant stationary approaches in this domain. platform Prirazlomnaya. We established a powerful We are also engaged in school of thoughts, which the military and technical is instrumental in solving cooperation with India’s tasks that the other Russian Navy on its aircraft shipyards do not measure carrier Vikramaditya and up to. production of technical In the past years the facility equipment and gear. has gathered a good Besides, we have made production pace. Sevmash good progress in our demonstrates improvement modernization program. of all major operational This is a crucial thing, indicators. The profit is when it comes to the Nuclear submarine Vladimir Monomakh on the rise, as well as implementation of future the labor efficiency, staff, projects in the interest of and pay. We have been the Navy or commercial demonstrating stability in customers. The main goal making more money in of the ongoing effort is the past decade. This is to create a modern and attested to the growing competitive shipyard. We backlog under the state count on this to reduce armament procurement production time and labor program. This gain intensity, while stepping on allowed us not only to the quality aspect, and put cover our earlier losses, new items and accessories but establish funds for on our manufacturing list. production retooling and One might call it a fourth honoring the labor contract technological revolution that provisions, including Russia’s largest shipyard those, governing the pay, is going through now. healthcare, and social and cultural life. The year Nuclear submarine

14 / USC №3 (39) 2019 SEVMASH. DRY FACTS:

Sevmash constructed by 12 directors, all of them 1. and delivered to the Navy 172 submarines, being solid professionals, who including 132 nuclear passed through all levels of and 40 diesel, putting their carriers. They always itself ahead of any other shipyard in the whole tried to benefit the plant, come world hell or high water, performing Sevmash built record- state orders in the most critical 2. breaking submarines, conditions. boasting the greatest The state did the right operating depth, speed and size in the world. thing, their stake paid off. These records have The geography is good for not been broken by any the Nazis did not make it to other Navy in the world yet Plant No. 402 and people have proved to be a true asset. Sevmash is Russia’s 3. only shipbuilder awarded People in the North are strong. five orders. Even back There are no people who ended in the days of the up here by chance for only USSR the facility was considered the most those stay, who are resolved advanced in terms of to make achievements. The 80- its capacity to adopt year history of the place offered new technologies and control systems. During them multiple chances for that. the Golden Age of During the war, when Shipbuilding the facility launched 5-6 nuclear women and teenagers submarines per year comprised the backbone of the staff. During the thriving Covered slipway 4. No. 4 of the building years of the Soviet industry, and commissioning when the scope of the shop (Shop No. 50) is nuclear submarine construction the oldest facility on the premises, resting on NEW SHIPBUILDING ERA operation ran beyond larch piles. So spacious imaginable. The shipbuilding is the shelter that it can house 14 St. Basil’s >> Among the items displayed in Sevmash’s museum history is by no means replete Cathedrals is tiny invitation card No. 401. It requests the honor of Comrade with cases of six nuclear Dolgikh’s presence at Shop 1-3 (today’s Covered Slipway No. 2) submarines launched per year. The Prirazlomnaya 5. off-shore ice-resistant on December 21, 1939 at 14.00 for the plant commissioning These were grand and smart stationary platform, ceremony. There is in fact no other evidence other than this slip boats, which were instrumental manufactured at of paper of that historical day, when the shipbuilding operation for the USSR in gaining parity the shipyard, is the only platform extracting oil of the White Sea enterprise kicked off. The yet unfinished shop with the U.S. And does not on the Arctic shelf. It is hosted the ceremony of laying down the battleship Sovetskaya the survival of the plant in as big as the Cheops pyramid in Giza, Egypt Belorussiya, one of the largest ships in the Soviet Navy. Just the 1990s amount to a feat? think that she was the length of the world’s largest cruise ship Like many other establishments The Vikramaditya Titanic. However, the Soviet battleship was wider abeam and in the country Sevmash could 6. aircraft carrier is the largest military displaced more as well. “I will always remember almost verbatim have fallen into oblivion as ship ever exported by what Boris Kronov, heading the project, had to say,” wrote well. But the major slipway Russia. She develops Mikhail Popov, Sevmash’s veteran. “Addressing us, still young of the country kept going. Its skillful a speed of 30 kt people, in the wake of the ceremony, he said, ‘Here, youngsters! leaders, who made emphasis on the Years will pass and you might start grumbling what a poor job production conversion, adoption of new aspects of operation and they did constructing the plant and city, those bastards...’ All of military and technical cooperation, prompted Sevmash to reveal us got a good laugh then, dismissing his words and praising its new shining facets. the endeavor, saying what a really good socialist city and huge plant had been erected and that our children would appreciate STROLLING ON SEVMASH’S STREETS its true value.” And children did. The facility was so expertly designed with so much wisdom 29 thousand people walk on Sevmash’s streets to that its modernization margin allowed for its reconstruction their work every day. The streets in the dreams of the first without stopping the operation. It survived three technological headman came true. Spacious, well maintained and clean revolutions, which kept it relevant and suitable for construction shops are stuffed with powerful equipment; and of course, of the most advanced ships, record-breaking submarines among the place bustles with people. They are here extremely them. valuable assets. President Putin’s address at the ceremony Plant No. 402 lived up to expectations. It is a proud of laying down the nuclear submarine Knyaz Vladimir in 2012 recipient of five Soviet orders for the development of cutting- were to the point, “No other plant in the whole world has done edge equipment and three highest awards of Russia. so much for its country as Sevmash.” Perestroyka passed No other shipbuilder can boast that many decorations of and the facility has recovered, living already a new life and the highest grade. Over its 80-year history, Sevmash was led getting a second wind, new dreams and resolve.

№3 (39) 2019 USC / 15 PRICING AND PRICE COMPETITION IN SHIPBUILDING It is a pleasant thing to note that USC’s financial and economic indicators over the past five years suggest that the consolidated revenue jumped by 40-plus percent from 237.2 bln. RUR to 336.3 bln. RUR, IFRS reports

ALEXANDER NEYGEBAUER Vice President for Economics and Finance, USC

owever, this quite for Products, Delivered under impressive gain, the State Armament Acquisition amounting to Program,’ the profit margin breaks 19-odd bln. RUR, down as follows, 1 percent of Hnotwithstanding, contributed costs + 20 percent of the financial and economic indicators the enterprise’s own expenses. in shipbuilding from the point of Hardly it is a secret that in view of return on revenue by all shipbuilding shipyards contribute means paint a rather poor picture. 30-35 percent to the manufacturing Profitability averaged just 1.3 percent cost. This means that a shipyard in the past five years. can count on a margin revenue The analysis of the problem, of 6-7 percent. However, in fact affecting the financial indicators the manufacturer gets less, putting of USC and all its subordinate the undertaking on the profitability enterprises, revealed a number threshold. of the most prominent issues in This falls short of the the sector. target even to think of investing Opening the list is pricing. into the modernization of A large chunk of USC’s income (let the operation and often does not us not consider the foreign trade cover the suppliers’ cost build- aspect with all its components up risks. Thus, when it comes of specific nature), coming from to implementation of the state the state armament procurement armament procurement program, program, is generated through the head contractor bears full cost-plus pricing. According to and undivided responsibility for Decree No. 1465 of the Russian the quality of components, as well as Government of December 2, 2017 failures to timely supply the required ‘On the State Regulation of Prices amount of items, taking on itself

16 / USC №3 (39) 2019 ESSENTIAL SHIPBUILDING ECONOMICS

IN SHIPBUILDING SHIPYARDS CONTRIBUTE 30-35 PERCENT TO THE MANUFACTURING COST. THIS MEANS THAT A SHIPYARD CAN COUNT ON A MARGIN REVENUE OF 6-7 PERCENT

all risks, triggered by changes in the microeconomic environment of Russia, since the major job of the enterprise is a long-term manufacturing operation. The current pricing system in shipbuilding has failed to encourage manufacturers to improve labor efficiency and manufacturing costs as per laws enjoyed by the facilities catering operation output. It has long been and regulations, these result in a to the needs of the penitentiary overdue to amend the situation price tag higher than that pinned system and organizations of by creating real labor efficiency to equal products constructed in people with disabilities, amending stimulating mechanisms and western districts of Russia. laws and regulations governing integrating innovative solutions. The burden that shipbuilders the state procurement contracts This said, it is worth factoring in in Russia’s , as well accordingly. internal capacities of enterprises as other such areas have to with due account of modernization shoulder, particularly guaranties and production diversification and compensations, which have issues. to be extended to the employees, THE FINANCIAL USC’s enterprises are run automatically puts them in in different conditions of price unfavorable conditions, when AND ECONOMIC competition. A comparative it comes to tenders and trade INDICATORS IN analysis of generation of competitions. SHIPBUILDING FROM manufacturing costs at To render competitive shipbuilding facilities in Russia’s conditions of the enterprises THE POINT OF VIEW Far North, as well as other engaged in the shipbuilding OF RETURN ON areas, where similar conditions sector equal, it is essential REVENUE ARE prevail and equal operations run to consider granting price in western and central Russia, benefits in state procurement MODEST AT BEST indicated a range of reasons, programs similar to those denying the former the ability to take part in the armament procurement program on par with the latter. Apart from the geographic factor, including the distance to the ship equipment and material manufacturing centers, as well as unfavorable climatic conditions, the far eastern enterprises have to shoulder a heavier social security burden under federal laws, dictating that those employed in far northern areas and other zones with similar conditions are entitled for extra guaranties and compensations in the form of allowances, extra vacation days, etc. Being part of

№3 (39) 2019 USC / 17 PROJECT ICEBERG

Heavy ice conditions, including hummocks, low temperatures, strong winds, etc., come in the way of the development of hydrocarbon deposits in the most part of the Arctic basin. Meanwhile, deployment of current surface technologies faces multiple difficulties, particularly in permanent ice zones. Technologies with such capabilities are very much sought after, since they will grant Russian companies an edge

EVGENY TOROPOV Chief designer,

n 2015-2018, the Rubin Design Bureau POWER SUPPLY led an effort implementing its project Development of Underwater (Under-ice) For starters, it is an underwater power facility to Seabed Mining Technologies for the Arctic power mining and extraction equipment. IZone, dubbed Iceberg. It encompassed Designed in a concerted effort with the Afrikantov multiple initiatives and researches aimed at Experimental Design Bureau for Mechanical designing technologies and assets, providing Engineering, the nuclear power plant is consistent full-fledged subsea extraction of oil and gas in with the IAEA nuclear safety regulations and permanent ice zones. comprised of an autonomous unmanned underwater

18 / USC №3 (39) 2019 MADE IN USC SUBSEA HYDROCARBON EXTRACTION

Iceberg’s underwater systems

facility, combining one or several modules engaged type core, reducing the number of auxiliary systems and simultaneously to carry the load. The module boasts gear, as well as by integrating highly-automated control a useful output of 16mW with provisions made for and radiation and technological monitoring systems. an increase to 25mW. The reliability of the unmanned facility without checks UNDERWATER DRILLING and maintenance throughout the entire operating period is provided by using an integral reactor, boasting a full- Second, the researchers looked into the issue fledged natural circulation of the primary circuit coolant of drilling vertical, slant and horizontal test pits and throughout the entire range of power output, and cassette- development wells.

№3 (39) 2019 USC / 19 Seismic survey technology, based on autonomous unmanned underwater vehicles

To this with uninterrupted end, Rubin drilling mud circulation. approached They also were thoughtful enough the Gubkin to use drill fluids and cement slurry Russian State based on liquid components. University of Oil During the underwater drilling and Gas. Their team system project, the St. Petersburg came up with a solution based on a remote drilling State Polytechnic University combined efforts with technology with the telemetry transmitted to shore- the Kurchatov Institute to develop a virtual simulating based control posts. The adopted architecture of the model, offering calculations of the system operation future drilling system includes several independent in various operating conditions. The technology is modules: underwater drilling, drilling fluid and cement instrumental in getting the required expertise and slurry preparation, drilling mud cleaning, control, power knowledge by the time the system goes into production supply and communication, as well and ultimately operation, thus, reducing as removable cartridge storing. costs related to manufacturing and The solution implies the testing various mockups. use of an open, unsheltered THE ICEBERG PROJECT drilling unit. The equipment of 3D SEISMIC SURVEY the underwater drilling system is ENCOMPASSES not sealed and operates under MULTIPLE INITIATIVES Another aspect the excess pressure. The job to AND RESEARCHES AIMED covered in the project develop the drilling equipment, is the development gear for tripping operations and AT PROVIDING SUBSEA of underwater systems for storing, transporting EXTRACTION OF OIL seismic survey and feeding pipes and pipe tools AND GAS IN PERMANENT system, providing was again given to the Afrikantov various surveys and Experimental Design Bureau for ICE ZONES researches, from 2D Mechanical Engineering. areal to more detailed 2D-3D Provisions have been and to 4D monitoring, in any made to provide for replacement conditions and seasons, regardless of equipment and gear in all modules, when they are of the sea state. already deployed and in operation. To hedge risks of A number of recent researches conducted by developing an emergency during drilling operations, different companies suggest that in conditions of winter the designers adopted a continuous drilling approach and thick ice fields developed over years traditional seismic survey ships are almost useless. Even in the ice-free part of the Barents Sea winter operations are impeded by the sea state, fog, icing of the ship and mounted

Underwater transportation, installation, and maintenance system

20 / USC №3 (39) 2019 Underwater autonomous unmanned MADE IN USC power plant module (interior) SUBSEA HYDROCARBON EXTRACTION

equipment, as well as short daylight hours and polar The architecture may come in handy for a wider range night conditions. of missions, to include seismic surveys, collection of oil To this end, the designers offered an underwater products below ice or nodules from seabed for that matter. seismic survey system of a submersible platform based on a nuclear submarine and towed seismic streamers, as SAFETY AND SECURITY well as self-sustained seabed stations and streamers, and seismic wave emitters. Besides, the system would include Finally, the designers did not leave unattended TV-controlled vehicles, deploying and collecting survey the safety and security aspect, either. The solution came assets. in the form of a comprehensive safety and security In a concerted effort with the Institute of Oil and Gas system. It will provide safe operation of underwater oil and Problems of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Rubin gas extraction systems in remote Arctic regions. It has figured out a new 3D survey technology conducted from been shaped by three major safety and security aspects a nuclear submarine. It stipulates deployment of short of operations of underwater installations. First comes streamers to set up a 100x100m self-registering space the issue of industrial safety provided to the extent of array. For this, the submarine would carry retractable bow- monitoring technical status of the equipment, technological and stern- mounted wings comprising turning surfaces for procedures, ice situation and ground condition. automatic deployment of streamers. Besides, provisions Then it is ecological safety that also needs attention. have been made for reeling off a long streamer for It encompasses monitoring of environment, as well as 2D surveys. checks for process fluid leaks and hydrocarbon emissions. For seabed surveys, the Experimental Design Bureau And finally, unlawful interference with the operations of Oceanological Engineering, a branch of the Russian of underwater systems is an issue that calls for special Academy of Sciences, rendered its assistance in designing countermeasures. options for deployment and collection of seabed seismic stations and streamers from the bottom. All technical solutions adopted for underwater systems The system based on various seabed seismic are patented in Russia. survey assets is stowed aboard a submersible vehicle in pressurized floodable tubes. As part of the initiative, the designers considered a survey technology, stipulating equipment of tubes with survey kits strapped onto unmanned underwater vehicles. Prompted by the Iceberg project, Rubin suggested a flexible seismic survey technology based on the employment of a group of autonomous underwater vehicles providing for a variety of under-ice survey options Deployed drilling both on the seabed and in water layers. module of the underwater drilling system Such system is suitable for deployment from an ice- capable surface carrier as well.

TRANSPORT AND SERVICE

Another subproject was aimed at developing an underwater system for transportation, installation, and maintenance of underwater oil and gas extraction systems in heavy ice conditions. Basically, it is a submersible twin-hull vehicle. Its cargo bay is fitted between the hulls and connecting them crossbars. The sails towering over both hulls house cargo lifting mechanisms facing the cargo bay. All technical solutions have been patented in Russia. For the main propulsion adopted have been two steering pods, providing required maneuverability, particularly at low speeds. Positioning and stabilization when the main propulsion idles is achieved by employing retractable fully-articulated pods and vertical thrusters.

№3 (39) 2019 USC / 21 The flag ship of the Italian Navy Cavour

DMITRY KUROCHKIN TRENDS PhD in Engineering, UTILITY LANDING SHIP Head of the Foreign Economic Activity Sector,

SMALL CARRIER WITH A GREAT POTENTIAL

Not in a very distant past the USSR possessed one of the most potent amphibious fleet in the world. Today, Russia’s Navy does have a serious number of big landing ships, however the youngest of them, Korolev, is 28 years old. Almost all of the ships have come of age, are obsolete and their replacement has long been overdue. Besides, an issue has been raised multiple times to get for the Navy amphibious ships carrying helicopters. Russia still lacks such ships

a united opinion as for what amphibious ship the Russian Continued from No. 1 (34), 2018 Navy needed, which led either to controversies over French Mistrals, designed to commercial specifications, thus falling short of becoming true combat ships, or he most advanced amphibious ship in serious changes to the specifications of the Russian Russia is Project 11711. The lead ship design. Even the concept of deployment of the future ship Ivan Gren was commissioned last year, has not been left intact, either. As the construction was while the first production ship, Peter already in progress the project was amended in terms TMorgunov, undergoes her trials. She is of the weapons, radio-electronic equipment and tactical expected to join the ranks of the Navy in 2019. and technical characteristics. The protracted construction The lead ship was laid down at the precipitated the desire to save money and cut the in December 2004. At first planed as a series of six ships, building time. This led to the decision to reduce the class Project 11711 took shape in conditions of the lack of to two ships.

22 / USC №3 (39) 2019 Ivan Gren LSD – the most advanced amphibious ship in the Russian Navy

On the plus side of this unique, albeit rather controversial, project is the fact that she carries two Ka-29 helicopters. However, one has to factor in that they are arranged one after the other for the main hangar, accommodating only one helicopter, features a folding section, extended towards the landing pad. This means that lengthy flight preparations and post-flight maintenance come in the way of operating both helicopters simultaneously. The results of trials and operational performance tipped the scale in favor of building another two ships in the class. In April 2019, during the laying-down ceremony of the 3rd and 4th ships, USC’s President Alexei Rakhmanov noted that they would be built to amended specifications. Though, this did not result in changes in the project index. With no claim to be a zealot of our military science or naval tactician and strategist for At some point in the future, this groups will be that matter, I would like to voice general thoughts on enhanced by attack FW drones. At this phase, UAVs the future amphibious ship of the Russian Navy. cannot do much and are used primarily to suppress Obviously, the Navy needs both big amphibious the AD of an enemy, as well as engage targets, whose platforms, possessing the capabilities of Ivan Gren, positions have been fixed beforehand. Capable of and smaller ships, air-cushioned landing craft (LCAC), attacking threats, they perform more of a combat and ground-effect aircraft, which will inevitably enter support (CS) role, similar to that of land attack cruise another development loop. missiles. But since the goal is to reestablish a blue navy, But it was our country that pioneered high- fit to shoulder the burden of being one of the key tools performance disposable anti-ship UAVs. That is for solving Russia’s geopolitical tasks, we need to exactly what Russia’s supersonic heavy anti-ship abandon the path of bringing back though adapted operational missiles are. The transfer of the on board to the requirements of the 21st century, but already “intelligence” of these weapons from a disposable classic platforms. It is worth starting from studying to reusable unmanned platforms should not become the world experience, applying it to our goals and tasks, much of a challenge. It would not be completely out and then designing and building a larger and more of place to mention the first Soviet space unmanned expensive utility platform, a relatively small amphibious vehicle Buran, performed its famous flight 30 years aircraft carrier, boasting enormous capabilities. ago in 1988. Thus, we have grounds to hope that It has long been proven, that in modern in the end Russia will get advanced drones, capable combat conditions the ship-to-shore maneuver is to fly missions like CAS, A2/AD, air supremacy, an unthinkable thing to do without aviation support and dogfight, etc., provided the government extends cover or vertical envelopment tools delivering troops support and grants sufficient funds for their or sabotage teams to the enemy’s rear or flanks. development. Thus, one may suggest that in conditions of the lack of full-fledged aircraft carriers, the role of the most combat-capable, mobile and advanced operational units of Russia’s Navy can be assigned to marine expeditionary combat groups, built around amphibious aircraft carriers, housing in their hangars not only equipment and marines, but transport and attack helicopters, and light attack aircraft and fighters as well. It is them, not troop transports like the Mistral, that the Russian Navy needs for conflicts based on the scenario of the five-day war in South Ossetia or projection of power to any point of the world ocean.

№3 (39) 2019 USC / 23 Utility landing ship Juan Carlos, featuring an aircraft ramp

for their Juan Carlos I, housing four standards LCMs (landing craft, medium), at the same displacement that Italian Cavour has. The likelihood is that anything larger than a bay for four SP lighters or two LCACs will not fit into a ship of medium displacement, let alone her role as a full-fledged aircraft carrier. Thus, her landing Before we get “smart” UAVs, the aviation options will remain poor at best. component of carriers will keep manned aircraft, Given the number of the landing party the ship carries dictating that flight decks should have a ramp at (a battalion-sized marine unit) along with their heavy the bow to assist their take-off. Besides, drones will equipment, the four lighters will have to make several runs allow to reduce the ramp on flight decks, which is each to land them all to an unprepared beach. a good sign, given that these places are notorious for Thus, this number of landing craft is far from being extremely congested. Its length will being sufficient for a full-fledged landing be far shorter compared to the conventional assault, if the carrier is forced to act 90m ramp, also because drones can be THE NAVY NEEDS BIG alone. Her transport helicopters will exposed to higher loads unlike their manned not make the situation much better. counterparts. AMPHIBIOUS PLATFORMS After a beachhead is secured, Still on the table are a number of AND SMALLER SHIPS, other tasks facing the ship critical issues to be resolved by military AIR-CUSHIONED LANDING ranges from logistics support scientists. For one thing, it has not yet been of the landed party, landing of considered whether to have a dock bay and CRAFT AND GROUND- the main body of troops, their landing craft, as well as to endow the ship EFFECT AIRCRAFT deployment, to evacuation of with the capability to launch landing vehicles casualties, and finally to expansion afloat. of the footprint to the operational scale. When constructing their Cavour, the Italians It calls for a question about the role had to cut corners, turning a full-fledged carrier into and place of such an amphibious platform in the a sea transport, carrying equipment and marines. Unlike Russian Navy. her, Trieste, a more advanced utility amphibian, boasts Obviously, her size, let alone price and possible broader true landing capabilities. role of the flag ship or command ship of a group, will The Spanish, well aware of the fact that a bay deny her the ability to land the first wave of troops. results in a more complex design of the ship, higher This job will go to far cheaper and less complex price tag, lower survivability, reduced useful capacity, platforms, capable to land afloat after getting as close etc. went for the trade-off, getting a full-fledged bay as possible to the shore line. LSTs come to mind first.

French Mistral amphibious assault ship in the harbor of Toulon. This class of ships can perform four mission profiles, namely landing of motorized units, operation and maintenance of combat helicopters, C2 and hospital ship. The ship can house at any given moment 16 NHI NH90 utility helicopters or Eurocopter Tiger gunships, 4 landing craft, up to 70 combat vehicles, including 13 AMX56 Leclerc MBTs or a tank battalion, comprising 40 Leclercs and 450 troops. The ship features a hangar covering 1,800m2.

24 / USC №3 (39) 2019 TRENDS UTILITY LANDING SHIP

But there are also LCACs and ground-effect aircraft, whose deployment is dictated by the surf conditions. The future amphibious carrier has to be adapted for MAJOR CHARACTERISTICS a different set of missions. The most critical ones are C2 of OF THE FUTURE AMPHIBIOUS a combined-arms team (expeditionary marine unit), establishment ASSAULT SHIP and maintenance of superiority in the landing area, aviation support of the landing party and air cover of other ships, logistics support of the landed troops, evacuation of casualties, landing ROLE: of follow-up troops, etc. C2 ship of a combined-arms team, A rather controversial issue today is the worthiness flag ship of an expeditionary combat unit of the so-called over-the-horizon, ship-to-shore maneuver. It provides for landing amphibious equipment outside the visual PROJECTION OF POWER TO THE LANDING AREA range of the enemy. Well, one has to admit that the concept in modern conditions AVIATION SUPPORT OF LANDING OPERATIONS sounds beautiful, glamorous if you will, but its effectiveness AND AIR COVER OF SHIPS is doubtful. Countries, possessing a powerful air force and RECONNAISSANCE AND ENGAGEMENT modern missile and artillery systems, will be able to mess OF ENEMY’S PERSONNEL AND EQUIPMENT up even a stand-off landing operation. On the other hand, ON THE SHORE if the enemy’s shore defenses have been suppressed from air LOGISTICS SUPPORT OF COMMITTED TROOPS and ship artillery has gained air superiority, the over-the-horizon concept becomes useless. EVACUATION OF CASUALTIES Some thoughts have to be given to the ship armament LANDING OF FOLLOW-UP TROOPS as well. Nobody questions the necessity to equip her with self- TO A SECURED BEACHHEAD defense assets, i.e. AA guns/missiles and SAMs. However, whether to have MLRS and artillery mounts is still an open issue today even when it comes to arming a huge amphibious ship, Aviation architecture: a monolithic flight deck which is expected to fight close to the shore, exposing herself complete with a ramp with provisions made to direct fire of the opposing forces. for retrofitting a short catapult for drones Given the availability of attack helicopters and support ships, the likelihood is that the job of suppressing emplacements and Aircraft wing, comprised of attack and transport engaging armored targets to include those in covered positions, will helicopters, aircraft, and future FW attack drones end up on their plate. Meanwhile, MLRS and artillery mounts, their magazines and control posts included, will strip the ship of her precious Hangar for aircraft space and drive the cost up in exchange for a rather dubious gain. Another controversial issue in the design of the new ship Bay for Serna or Dugon landing craft, is the choice of the main propulsion and top speed. Recently, as well as future LCACs the scales started tipping in favor of moderate speeds in the designs of capital surface ships. Top speeds are traded off for more crucial Additional BK-16 landing boats aspects, namely economic operation, maintainability and lower operating costs. Thus, diesel or diesel-electric options fit the bill No provisions made for launching equipment afloat perfectly well. (no bow shelldoors or other systems), as well as performing over-the-horizon landing

The Juan Carlos l-61 utility landing ship takes part Self-defense systems – AA guns/missiles in an exhibition on the Day of the Spanish Armed Forces and mid-range SAMs

No MLRS and general-purpose medium artillery

Enhanced medical capabilities for humanitarian missions and treatment of casualties when deployed in her primary role

Advanced radars and electronic equipment for C2 tasks and EW assets

Relatively low speed of 19-21Kt

Economic propulsion – diesel or diesel-electric

Fit for deployment in northern latitudes, given Russia’s expanding footprint in the Arctic

Suitable for loading modular weapons and special equipment in standard shipping containers

№3 (39) 2019 USC / 25 ANDREY MIROSHNIKOV Public relations officer with the SRC Zvezdochka YAGRA’S SHIPBUILDERS

Plant No. 893, renamed to Zvezdochka in 1966, was among the first shipyards established in the wake of the Great Patriotic War. The place for the future leading ship repair establishment in Russia was picked by a committee led by Timofey Safronov out of six options. A legend himself, he was named the first director of the shipyard. He witnessed the birth of Zvezdochka and commissioning of its first orders

he plant had to be built in the field from scratch Yes, it took some effort to build our plant,” later reminisced Boris In 1947, Yagry Island had only an unfinished , Nevolin, a senior engineer in permanent construction, one of compressor plant and concrete plant facilities, whose the original team employed to erect Plant No. 893. construction had started back in 1939 in the interest Time was running short, for Deputy Minister of Shipbuilding Tof Plant No. 402, known today as Sevmash, but later of the USSR Nikolay Panchenko was very clear in his abandoned since they were no longer needed. First thing first, recommendations to Director Safronov to launch the operation constructors started dredging the area, for the marshy land needed to in 1954. They had three years to go. be lifted by a couple of meters. The construction of first installations This time had to be used to accomplish an enormous of the future facility required around two million m2 of sand. job, which included construction of a shallow waterfront, tool “Marsh, mud, we literally grabbed little snipes bare handed. and pipe shop, deployment and commissioning of machines We rolled up trousers and off we went trudging through the mud. and equipment, staffing, reconstruction of the bridge over

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the Nikolskoye estuary, as well as erection of the first apartment swing. The shipbuilders faced buildings. an enormous task of adding The task was accomplished. On July 1, 1954, after 220 rooms to the ship’s current the commissioning of the assembly shops, installation No. 12 678 spaces and compartments, (known today as Shop No. 9) and shallow waterfront, the new deploying 6,200 pieces of new SERGEY plant went into operation. The inaugural order was the icebreaker equipment, laying 200km of electric MARICHEV Pronchishchev converted to the PZK-61 barracks ship. Then cable and 50km of pipes of various Director General, the plant received for maintenance two Project 122A ASW ships diameters. SRC Zvezdochka and an S-101 9-bis series submarine. Committed to these were 1,000 This shaped the major principle of Plant No. 893, to which personnel simultaneously. This does Zvezdochka’s the establishment remains true through this day, namely hardship not include specialists, arrived from hallmark has always been its resolve to and difficulties notwithstanding, all obligations shall be met timely 37 partner enterprises from all over evolve. The facility and quality provided, while taking every effort to build up expertise the USSR to assist them. Those who laid down unique and gain experience to climb to a higher level of operation. failed to accomplish his daily task engineering and worked extra hours. production groundwork for development, That fact that there were THE DAWN OF THE ATOMIC ERA integration and two designated delivery persons construction of marine Just five years into its operation and the USSR Council of assigned to the job attest to propulsion systems. Ministers decreed in 1959 that the establishment had to take up the importance of the project. Zvezdochka switched providing dock overhaul and modernization of nuclear submarines. Within the shipyard the responsibility from maintaining the submarine In practice it meant complete retooling, erection of new shops lied with William Kalganov, while fleet to providing and installations, let alone introduction of technologies never used Zvezdochka’s Director Grigory complex repairs of here before and curbing new expertise and skills. Director Grigory Prosyankin reported to Minister surface cruisers. Prosyankin once recalled that this had been the first real challenge of the USSR Shipbuilding Industry Having become the leader in Russia’s testing maturity of the plant. Boris Butoma. ship repair sector, And again, time was a factor. We worked four shifts through Think of the enormous scope the enterprise pursues months disregarding weekends. Many operations – two-story docking, of operations, scores of unique the shipbuilding installation of launchers and others – were unique. Suffice to say that solutions developed at the facility. path as well, the plant received its first nuclear submarine, K-33, on November 6, Already titled Zvezdochka, since launching complex and technology 1962. The year 1964 saw the completion of the maintenance and the plant changed its name in intensive, versatile reequipment of the submarine to the Project 658M specifications 1966, was indeed borne to make ships of Project complete with the deployment of a new underwater launcher (delivered impossible things over and over 20180, participating by Evgeny Kolodochkin). The boat was back in the ranks of the Navy. again. in the construction of off-shore platforms, On her way back to the home port, she was accompanied by the K-11, On April 21, 1970, at and introducing a Project 627A torpedo submarine also fresh from maintenance 23.30 the nuclear power plant additive technologies. (delivered by Vladimir Semenov). went operational, signifying For the shipbuilders it was not just a labor victory, for the accomplishment of the mission. the moment marked the certification of Plant No. 893 as the major On June 20, an acceptance facility for maintenance and modernization of nuclear submarines. certificate was signed aboard the It would not be out of order to thank Sevmash, which was icebreaker. The next day found the ship, new heart beating in the generous to send teams of its specialists for assistance. Working hull, on her first Arctic cruise. shoulder to shoulder with constructors of submarines, who also This endeavor and selfless labor earned dozens of employees were good at repairing nuclear-powered boats, Yagry’s shipbuilders orders and medals; a golden star of the Hero of Socialist Labor took in every piece of experience. In essence the plant turned into became a proud addition to the jacket of the Zvezdochka’s director, a huge training center, where on-the-job training was received by while the facility was awarded the highest decoration of the USSR, all and everyone, from a rank and file employee to the director. the .

ONE ICEBREAKER – TWO DESIGNATED FOUR NUCLEAR SUBS PER YEAR DELIVERY PERSONS In the early ‘70s, the enterprise continued broadening its Gained knowledge, expertly organized operation, prompt expertise. It built and commissioned new sites in shops 1, 3, 4, and creative responses to new challenges paved the way for 7, 9, 15, 41 and some other areas, as well as a ship-lifting suite, yet another accomplishment, repair of Lenin, the first-ever combining a launching dock, transporter bridge, and covered nuclear icebreaker in the whole world. The pride of the Soviet slipway. Technologies did not escape the trend either, and the fleet needed to have her old power plant replaced with a new footprint of the flow-line approach kept growing with modular twin-reactor system, the OK-900. One might guess already that maintenance being phased into it. for this extremely complex on many counts, technologically and In late 1962, Zvezdochka received two Project 667A strategic scientifically, and responsible task the USSR Council of Ministers missile submarines, K-26 and К-216. Both are much more complex allowed disproportionately little time, two and a half years. in terms of automated processes, radioelectronics The icebreaker had to be delivered by Lenin’s centenary. and weapons than anything the facility had had to In the evening of December 12, 1967, the ship moored deal before. If they wanted to become successful at Yagry Island’s southern bank and the work went in full in repairing second-generation submarines, >>

№3 (39) 2019 USC / 27 the staff needed to group. The deadline was met. Having tested the future , create an effective the submarine was surrendered to science. Various research >> tandem of production facilities and design bureaus jumped at the opportunity to give and science. To this end in 1974, their equipment and systems a run in real conditions. Again, VLADIMIR the USSR Ministry of Shipbuilding the job to deploy them for tests was given to skillful shipbuilders NIKITIN Industry issued an order turning of Zvezdochka. Director General, Zvezdochka’s design bureau into In 1990, the experiment of turning the KS-403 into a testbed SRC Zvezdochka, 2007-2015 the Onega research and development was revisited. This time the submarine had to be converted to technological bureau. One article does the specifications of Project 09780 for Rubin’s advanced sonar. It has already not offer much space to include all But other bureaus and institutes also delivered their electronic become a norm for breakthrough solutions, developed equipment prototypes, developed for the fourth-generation Boreys Zvezdochka to explore and adopted by shipbuilders in and Yasens. Besides, the testbed came in handy for trials of greater internal the whole history of the facility. Suffice some architectural elements of the future submarines. Assisted power and capacity, at times unknown to to say that many of them had ‘first- by Sevmash, in this project Zvezdochka’s team scored yet itself and surprising ever’ etched into their description. another victory. to others. Each historic Naturally so, for come whatever order, period is a tribute it was assigned to a team of like- to thousands of DOLPHINS, PIKES AND MANY OTHERS people employed at mined professionals, which remains various divisions and true even today. Top on the list of tasks of the ship repair center has always sections. One link is All operations on the K-26 been maintenance of availability of Russia’s nuclear submarine missing and the whole and K-216 were finished in 1975, fleet. In 1999-2012, the facility repaired and modernized a unit system may come making Zvezdochka the first of Project 667BDRM SSBNs. The submarines, dubbed Delfins to a screeching halt. It is of the essence for facility in the industry, certified for (Russian for dolphins), comprise the backbone of Russia’s strategic each shop, site, team, maintenance and repair of second- nuclear triad. service, and member generation submarines. Today, Zvezdochka is busy putting Delfins through a second of the staff to know The pace of construction of cycle of dock repair to extend their service life. As part of this effort, and feel their integral role in the dear facility the Soviet nuclear submarine fleet, the facility sent the Tula SSBN to her and its achievements. its intensive deployment and thus home port in 2017. Zvezdochka’s the need to maintain a high availability In 2006, the Center took up power is in its rate were instrumental in boosting repairing and modernizing third- people, traditions, the facility to a leading position in generation Anteys (Project 949A) and united endeavors and common holidays. the country’s naval maintenance Shchuka-Bs (Project 971). However, and repair sector. It is not fortuitous submarines do not make the complete that in its special decree the USSR list of jobs that keep the facility busy. Council of Ministers set before There are surface ships in it as Zvezdochka a task of maintaining at least four subs per year. well, namely Besstrashny (Russian In 1981, the shipyard achieved the prescribed rate, having finished for dauntless, renamed to Admiral maintenance and reequipment of five nuclear submarines, namely Ushakov in 2004), a Project 956 NIKOLAY K-104, K-86, K-241, K-385, and K-279, all of them belonging to , and Marshal Ustinov, KALISTRATOV various classes, Projects 675, 675MK, 667AU and 667B. a Project 1164 missile cruiser. Director General, Every job being unique, it SRC Zvezdochka, 1992-2007, AKSON AND YET ANOTHER AKSON prompts new and original engineer 2015-2017 and technical solutions, broadens Zvezdochka does more than just repair and maintenance expertise and boosts qualification. It is Zvezdochka is of ships and nuclear submarines, it extends their service life, not just an ordinary repair operation, a unique facility, literally breathes new life into them, saturating them with advanced but rather a contribution to the solid progressive in a sense. It knows how to focus systems and equipment, boasting far better tactical and combat groundwork for future endeavors. For its capabilities to solve performance. Some of its clients are converted into testbeds for example, having pioneered the repair complex tasks, set by cutting edge equipment and state-of-the-art systems. The K-403 of Admiral Ushakov, the shipyard now the state. It justifies strategic submarine (renamed to in 1997) was among those, has an edge should her stablemates, the state status who followed this path. including ships in the navies of that the enterprise proudly bears. This The Project 667А submarine moored at the shipyard in 1980, friendly nations, come to need quality took a while where she arrived to get stripped of her missile system under a similar job done on them. to develop and soon START-1. She would spend three years to emerge a different It is noteworthy that became its trademark. platform, converted to Project 667AK Akson-1 for testing the the Center has been providing We remained true to these traditions most advanced sonar system of the Project 971 third-generation service maintenance and engineering even in the most submarine. In fact, the task was akin to building a new ship. supervision of the ships and vessels difficult, turbulent For starters, it turned out that the equipment of the first six assigned to the Northern Fleet and years. We have compartments had to be removed and rearranged completely. Novorossiysk Naval Base of the been honoring and The scope of the endeavor and range of problems to be solved Black Sea Fleet, as well as Caspian developing them though this day. is evident in the fact the USSR Ministry of Shipbuilding Industry Flotilla of the Russia Navy since and Navy jointed efforts to establish a special operational 2011.

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gave impetus to the development of cooperation with SLATED TO BE SCRAPPED foreign enterprises. In the domestic sector the shipyard reequipped the wet fish trawler Novoazovsk and In the early 1990s, the port area hosted almost research vessel Professor Kurentsov, as well as built two dozen nuclear submarines, decommissioned from GRIGORY several Project 16900 dry-cargo vessels. In 1994, the Russian Navy. Most of them were submarines, PROSYANKIN the facility returned to repairing commercial ships which Zvezdochka’s specialists stripped of their missile Director, of various classes, trawlers, seiners, hydrographic launchers under the strategic arms reduction treaties. Plant No. 893 – survey ships, , etc. Standing out in the new SRC Zvezdochka, However, they still had their reactors and 1956-1972 undertaking are several Project 50010 freezer trawlers, on them, threatening environment. The state could Yagry (1998), Arkhangelsk (2001) and Koyda-2 (2013), not find money to scrap the derelict submarines. Where did we start? catering to the needs of Arkhangelsk’s fishers. These The situation escalated to the point, when the city’s We put up a long- unlimited navigation vessels are still in business today. term plan, based on Council of MPs banned any nuclear-powered asset to Unfortunately, due to reasons, over which the plant the concept of giving enter the harbor. It might cost Zvezdochka its orders. up relatively simple had no control whatsoever, the construction of ships The problem, threatening life and safety of hundreds orders in favor of of this class ceased. of thousands of people, ended up in the hands of maintenance and specialists of the 5th section of the shipyard, led by repair of more complex ships. And every new OIL, GAS, SPACE Alexander Grishko and Andrey Churkasov, and a group ship signified another of shipbuilders, headed by Andrey Undozerov, Andrey step towards more Zvezdochka continued its international debut Golovchenko and Alexander Resnyansky. elaborate production by expanding to the oil & gas sector in 1997. Started They literally pioneered the nuclear submarine and operation. as a crisis-response measure, it later grew into scrapping technology in Russia, setting up a system a promising job. from scratch. Zvezdochka in a concerted effort with Norwegian Statoil and Kvaerner oil & gas Onega developed legal and technological bases, built a new ordered large metal structures for their semisubmersible gas operation of the seafront and trained specialists, as well as production platform ASGARD-B. In 2007 and 2008, the shipyard commissioned an automatic radiological monitoring system. fulfilled its obligation under a contract for construction of metal Assisted by the Russian Government, the facilities raised money, structures for the semisubmersible rigs Moss CS-50 Mk II and obtained from various international programs, and signed contracts Gjoa. The experience gained during the projects proved to with foreign partner states. be instrumental in dealing with a future large-scale domestic The shipyard was among the first in the country to test order, resulting in the construction of the jack-up floating drilling the procedure of turning over nuclear submarines from the Navy rig Arkticheskaya in 2012. It is a unique asset, the first-ever to the plant and put together civilian crews to ferry them produced in Russia and still the only country’s platform in to the facility. This approach was adopted by all operations in the category. Besides, the plant manufactured metal structures the scrapping business. The first nuclear submarine, slated to be for the Prirazlomnya rig, built at Sevmash. Today, Zvezdochka scrapped, was the K-444. In 2003, the operation went in full swing. is gearing up to compete for a place in the development of It took Zvezdochka just two dozen years to deal with 44 nuclear the Kamennomysk-Sea deposit and construction of an LNG submarines, decommissioned from the Navy, without an incident. plant in the region. By adopting the job, which was absolutely new in the whole Another area, which might as well look exotic in the profile sector, and taking several other measures, the plant maintained of the company not long ago, is space. The enterprise turned its backlog during the hardship in the wake of the collapse of to it in 2004, when Zvezdochka prepared a launch pad for the USSR, kept its staff and avoided mass cuts in its ranks. Plesetsk’s Angara launch site. After this the enterprise built an umbilical tower, erectors, as well as a stand for mating a reentry SHIPS VS POTS vehicle with the Briz-M booster. Simultaneously, the shipyard manufactured an umbilical tower The last decade of the 20th century. It was and upper cable mast for the Kourou spaceport the most difficult period in Zvezdochka’s life. SINCE ITS in South America under the Soyuz-ST program. ESTABLISHMENT, This is the time, when the state procurement THE PLANT The cooperation with Plesetsk and Vostochny in system went down and the glorious history of HAS REPAIRED, construction of ground infrastructure for launch the Yagry shipyard might as well fall into oblivion. MODERNIZED AND facilities is very much alive. This is the time, when many of those, who REEQUIPPED wielded considerable clout, supported the idea around 130 submarines, of which 90 are nuclear POWER OF MOTION of converting the facility for production of pans powered. Also, logged into and other rubbish, unaware or on the contrary its list of repaired equipment Zvezdochka’s pride is the Propulsion Center. very much aware of the fact that it was the right have been 88 surface ships Its history dates back to 1964, when a special way to commit shipbuilding to death. of the Russian Navy and screw processing operation went in full swing commercial vessels, including But shipbuilders were resolute to fight for at the shipyard. Marine screws are in a sense icebreakers, research their plant. They won by setting up a versatile and hydrographic survey a hallmark of the facility. Its trademark, depicting operation, first making forays to new sectors and ships, trawlers, tankers, a walrus is recognized all over the world ultimately carving a niche there. steamers, tugs, etc. The facility and guarantees the highest quality of In 1991, Zvezdochka built a bunker ship hull built 250 ships, craft, and the product. marine installations. ordered by a Dutch company, thus scoring its first Over the past two dozen years, export success in commercial shipbuilding. This Zvezdochka delivered 400-plus screws up >>

№3 (39) 2019 USC / 29 MADE IN USC SPECIAL PURPOSE SHIPS

to 9m in diameter to Europe ARTEM KHOSHEV and Asia. Cruise liners, Public relations officer with the SRC Zvezdochka >> gas carriers, tankers and icebreakers are propelled by screws manufactured at the Yagra-based shipyard. Even nuclear submarines, including the most advanced Boreys EXTRAORDINARY and Yasens, owe it to the facility that they can sail. Dynamic development of production MISSIONS and ceaseless broadening of the product range, as well as achievement of better results and maintenance of solid positions OF SPECIAL SHIPS on international market are the principles set by the first head of the special marine screw processing operation, a winner of Shipbuilding along with repair and maintenance of surface ships the Government Prize, Nikolay Shorokhov. A visionary himself, he came up with what and submarines of the Russian Navy is getting more prominent is now a standard solution in the world in the profile of the SRC Zvezdochka. The development of this aspect of , i.e. deployment has not escaped the attention of state authorities of a compact steering pod instead of a bulky shaft and screw system, penetrating the entire ship. UNIQUENESS WITHOUT her an exclusive asset or one of few Whether to have the Propulsion COMPLEXITIES at best. But Project 20180 shattered Center or not was decided at the turn of the stereotype of construction of small 2010. A significant backlog of orders, In 2018, the Center was classes of ships. This class offered some of them placed by foreign commended for its achievements a platform, giving birth to a great companies, notwithstanding, a declining twice at the highest echelons of variety of auxiliary ship, including trend was getting more and more Russia’s leadership. One came from an armament store carrier, rescue tug, prominent in the sector. The crisis of Russian President Vladimir Putin and oceanographic survey vessel. 2008 came as yet another contributing for Zvezdochka’s contribution to The outstanding cohesion and well- factor. The brainstorming of how to the development of special equipment. coordinated efforts of the designers and ensure the company’s future resulted The other is the Government Prize for shipbuilders culminated in a common in the decision to establish a center, Efforts to Implement the Special Purpose maritime platform and multicomponent which would combine Zvezdochka’s Ship Construction Concept granted to construction and aftersales support screw processing operation, Vint’s specialists of the shipyard and other cooperation. These saved time, subsidiaries, and the Vega pilot factory. participants of a complex program. labor and financial resources, as well Over the past five years, the facility At Zvezdochka the prize went as improved quality and reliability delivered 18 sets of its own hi-tech to Leonid Berezovsky, heading throughout all construction phases. products, namely steering pods and the Directorate for Construction and The program for construction thrusters developing 0.5 to 5.4mW. Maintenance of Special Purpose Ships, of special purpose auxiliary ships Its latest achievement is a 9mW his deputy, Alexander Freindt, as well gained traction in 2004. Back then steering pod, dubbed the DRK-9000. as deputy chief manufacturing engineer Severodvinsk-based Zvezdochka, Maintaining the position of Russia’s largest Vladimir Levin. named the prime contractor for provider of marine screws, Zvezdochka The staff of the enterprise is proud the state contract, laid down became the first supplier in Russia and to take credit for the development and the rescue tug, christened after third in the world offering heavy-duty construction of the special purpose the manufacturing establishment. mechanical steering pods. ships of Almaz’s Project 20180, The engineering design stipulated Another area pursued by modern, hi-tech and versatile platforms integration of the results of 33 Zvezdochka is contribution to packed with everything required to R&D initiatives. This endowed the the construction of seabed installations. perform missions the Russian Navy ship with the capacity to perform The shipyard offers to join design and wants them for. Two ships of the class a wide spectrum of tasks, including engineering institutions, as well as are already taking shape – one is going transportation of bulk dual- foreign parties to master their production, through a multi-phase trial program, purpose equipment, support and taking only several years to cover while the other has not come off her execution of emergency, diving, the path, for which foreign counterparts slipway yet. towing, search&rescue and deep- waisted far more time. Anyway, it is Both are unique, something that water operations in the Arctic as in the blood of the ship repair center usually comes at a cost of a more well. This versatility is a tribute to make breakthroughs. At 65 many complex research and development to meticulous efforts of the designer, things are still ahead. phase. This gives a hard time to shipyard, subcontractors, and military shipbuilders during construction. representatives. They faced a number Photo courtesy of Zvezdochka’s Naturally so, for each stablemate of of the most complex and challenging press service a class is designed to perform her tasks of developing, manufacturing, own specific set of missions, making suppling, deploying and commissioning

30 / USC №3 (39) 2019 a wide range of ship equipment and gear, many of which had never been produced before. The complex construction phase, dockside and sea trials resulting in an acceptance certificate, signed on July 24, 2010, brought this endeavor to an end but as it turned out paved the way for a whole class of special ships. So impressed was the customer by her sailing qualities, economic performance, reliability, and versatility that a decision was made to go ahead with the project. This broadened the program and laid the groundwork for construction of ships TECHNOLOGICAL for various jobs as required BREAKTHROUGHS by the Navy. Before long, Winners of the Government Prize Vitaly Shimalovich of Almaz, Leonid Berezovsky of Zvezdochka, Vladimir Kolomiets of the Russian Navy, Vitaly Vdovichenko of the Russian MoD, Alexander Baryshnikov of Rubin, the final decision came ARE ZVEZDOCHKA’S and Alexander Freindt of Zvezdochka resulting in yet another ship being laid down in TRADEMARK well. The most challenging thing was to December 2011. fine-tune and test those units, machinery and gear already obtained from abroad. ZVEZDOCHKA’S A third ‘scientist’, Academik Again, citing sanctions, the manufacturer ACADEMICIANS Makeev, since her construction kicked refused to render assistance in this off in 2015 has already gained her hull. as well. Having to face the problem Zvezdochka, otherwise The shipbuilders, toiling in the main on its own, Zvezdochka figured out engaged mostly in maintaining, slipway shop, saturated her with bulk a solution. Obviously, unexpected repairing, and upgrading ships, equipment and deployed steerable obstacles affected the construction vessels and submarines under thrusters and other machinery. A twin progress and test program. But think the state armament procurement sister of Academik Kovalev she is of the experience gained! program, returned to shipbuilding though, there is one very significant It shows on Akademik Makeev and started an ‘academician’ thing about her, which gave a hard time in particular. Though similar to class of special purpose ships to both shipbuilders and designers. Akademik Kovalev outwardly, unlike her named after prominent Russian the new ship is Russian from the keel. scientists, who made an enormous IMPORT SUBSTITUTION The implementation of the enormous contribution to the development of EXPERIENCE import substitution program has been the Soviet and Russian science. on track so far. Zvezdochka also has Leading the way was the Akademik Strengthening of Russia, as well as a hand in shaping the ship anew. Kovalev armament store carrier, implementation of its independent foreign Its Propulsion Center developed, delivered to the customer as soon and domestic policy were not perceived manufactured and deployed steerable as 2015 and assigned to the Pacific well by ‘partners’ in the West, considering pods and thrusters. Fleet where she still performs her it a mutiny and taking immediate Overcoming one obstacle after duties. As the description suggests unfriendly actions. Restrictions imposed another, the participants of the auxiliary the ship’s role is loading, unloading and by other states on Zvezdochka made fleet refreshment program kept transporting weapons. According to a significant impact on the program. stockpiling expertise. Having mastered the design, the ship became larger and At the commissioning phase, almost on the construction process on the first order received a more powerful propulsion the eve of Akademik Kovalev’s first sea placed with the facility, the shipbuilder system, boasting longer range trials, several foreign suppliers terminated summoned its creativity to hone and and enhanced endurance. their contracts citing sanctions. improve it in the future. By all means The next order followed right Zvezdochka displayed resilience in the a success, Project 20180 implemented in her wake. The Academician face of the troubles, recovered fast and the concept of designing and building Aleksandrov oceanographic survey met its obligations allowing only a slight a whole range of special purpose ships, ship, laid down in December 2012 slip for a project of this magnitude. not only based on a reliable, hi-tech and and floated off in 2017, completed The construction documentation had versatile platform boasting outstanding her dockside and then the first phase to be revised at Almaz to incorporate performance, but also tailored for of sea trials last year. She has a set import substitution requirements at construction at Russia’s shipyards. of missions of her own. The second a phase, when the hull construction Efforts have been taken to achieve a high ‘academician’ is designed to perform was in full swing and part of foreign degree of commonality of shipborne search and rescue operations, as well components had already been delivered equipment and machinery, which as carry maritime equipment, research to the manufacturer. The designers provides for adoption of mass production and test gear. She is suitable for shelf and shipbuilders managed to save approach to a great extent, despite researches even in the Arctic zone. the situation at this dire moment as the unique nature of each ship.

№3 (39) 2019 USC / 31 EXPERT OPINION GLOBAL DEVELOPMENT TRENDS

NEW AGE OF SHIPBUILDING

The world numbers 590 shipyards accounting for an aggregate capacity of 45 mln. CGT, however only 150 of them received orders last year. The shipyards in business are loaded to an average of 46 percent of their capacity, although 10 leading facilities account for 57 percent of all orders. 290-odd enterprises did not get orders at all last year. These figures indicate a deep recession and excess of offers in shipbuilding ILYA PANTELEEV Director, Department of Marketing and Sales, USC

orea’s shipyards do better is dominated by cruise ships, keeping its of that in Korea and Japan, which than the others, since they facilities loaded to 55 percent. demonstrates benefits of integration of have a rather diversified Prospects for improvement of the digital solutions in shipbuilding. portfolio of orders, with situation in the shipbuilding market are Experts also note that adoption Ktankers, gas carriers, poor at best. Since 2016, there has been of innovative solutions at shipyards and container vessels taking equal share, a permanent decline of the workload produces a paradoxical effect, i.e. growth and heftier backlog keeping them busy of major players in the market, but not of effectiveness of a shipyard leads to to around 80 percent of their capacity. in Europe, where shipbuilding has been higher capacity and, obviously, offer, Some credit goes to the active support showing stable growth since 2012. which is already in abundance today. of the state extended to the sector. In this complex market situation Following them are the Chinese bare survival of the shipyards in STATE SUPPORT shipbuilders, focused primarily on bulk the leading three countries is contingent freighters, however their workload is far on the growth of effectiveness of their Russia’s commercial lower resting at 38 percent. Japan, while operations. Experts estimate the degree shipbuilding includes 55 entities, provided third in this race and loaded to 27 percent of automation at Korean and Japanese the enterprises parented by corporations of its capacity, continues losing its shipyards at 70 percent while in China are considered as individual players. market share. European shipbuilding the indicator is just 25-30 percent. The Russian shipyards’ capacity provides is all in the construction of complex, thus This accounts for the fact that labor around 310 thousand tons of steel very expensive vessels: their backlog intensity at Chinese shipyards is a third processed per year. The commercial shipbuilding market in Russia accounted for 30.6 bln. RUR DISTRIBUTION OF THE WORLD MARKET IN SHIPBUILDING in 2017 and 46.38 bln. RUR in the AS OF QUARTER III OF 2018 / mln. CGT / following year. It lacks stability, which is attributing not to its natural volatility, but rather to protracted construction periods 12 of ships resulting in situations when several ships are commissioned in one 38% 80% 27% 55% 15% year, thus affecting statistical indicators. It is worth noting that the volume 9 of import of ships, both new and used, Share of annual active capacity surpasses the volume of shipbuilding for domestic needs 5-7 times in terms 6 of costs in Russia. All shipyards running their business in the Russian market fall under one of the three categories. 3 About 80 percent of the overall production capacity in the sector and 60-80 percent of the Russian market in 0 value terms belong to the state-owned United Shipbuilding Corp. Another China South Korea Japan Europe RoW group includes shipyards, based on Bulk Container Gas Offshore internal waterways in European Russia. Others ex. Cruise Cruise Tanker The others are enterprises established

32 / USC №3 (39) 2019 DISTRIBUTION OF THE COMMERCIAL SHIP MARKET IN RUSSIA IN 2015-2017 / bln. USD /

to build rigs and metal constructions. 2,5 A special place belongs to the Zvezda 2,29 Shipbuilding Complex, headquartered 2 in Bolshoy Kamen, Primorsky region. 1,88 As soon as its construction is finished, 1,65 1,5 1,54 the shipyard has every chance to take the lead in both output (330 1,18 1 thousand tons of steel processed 0,87 per year, construction of ships of 0,5 unlimited displacement) and workload 0,28 0,27 0,33 capacity. Finally, there are Crimean 0 shipyards boasting the capability to build commercial ships from the keel. Ship cost, bln. USD 0,04 0,03 -0,5 0,24 Among them are More and Ocean, affected by sanctions and enjoying 0,59 0,61 -1 a special attention of the Russian 0,97 Government and state support. -1,5 All in all, a major market trends in Russian shipbuilding development Built at Russian New vessels Vessels imported Vessels exported Apparent shipyards exported by Russia, by Russia, consumption is the growing role of the state as for domestic by Russia regardless of regardless of of commercial vessels the leading customer and regulator in market the time logged the logged time in Russia the area of creation and enhancement of in service in service the initial demand, as well as retooling of 2015 2016 2017 shipyards and establishment of new regional versatile shipbuilding groups PERIOD OF EMPLOYMENT OF THE SHIPYARDS IN MAJOR SHIPBUILDING NATIONS on the basis of local facilities, e.g. BASED ON THE CURRENT BACKLOG / years / Ak-Bars and Kalashnikov. Another important thing is that all indicators are in place to claim the transit from monopolistic to oligopolistic nature of 4 the market. International sanctions are << Order cover (years) still a factor in the operation of USC, which is a detriment to a certain extent and leads to the growing footprint of 3 import substitution. Also, the Russian market is isolated to a great degree from the world market of new ships. For one thing, it is a real challenge for Russian 2 ships to squeeze into the world market of new ships, which has been at rock bottom for a decade. Thus, export in Russian shipbuilding is very low. Second, 1 import of new ships to Russia faces several barriers: VAT and tariffs (minus RMRS registration fees), numerous localization laws and regulations, as 0 well as geography. Besides, it is not in Russia’s plans to cease reequipping and 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 retooling shipyards and plants, as well as diversifying production. China South Korea Japan Europe Global

DISTRIBUTION OF THE RUSSIAN COMMERCIAL SHIPBUILDING MARKET Value, Market share of shipyards IN VALUE TERMS BETWEEN RUSSIA’S ENTERPRISE mln. RUR in value terms THREE LEADING SHIPBUILDERS 2017 2018 2017 2018 IN 2017-2018 / Only commercial orders USC 18 640 37 739,69 60,9% 81,4% placed this year, excluding ship repair Transship 2 155 1 750 7% 3,8% and including export / Universal Cargo Logistics Holding B.V. 1 470 1 750 4,8% 3,8% ALL RUSSIAN SHIPYARDS, TOTAL: 30 610,65 46 380,82 100% 100%

Source: INFOLine, April 2019 №3 (39) 2019 USC / 33 SHIPS

Designs, drafted by Georgy Shmakov, an outstanding chief designer of St. Petersburg’s Marine Design Bureau "Malachite", paved the way for 60-plus 2nd and 3rd generation nuclear submarines, which provided military parity of our country during the and continue doing it today

RADIY SHMAKOV leading specialists in design history

Project 971 multipurpose nuclear submarine

34 / USC №3 (39) 2019 ROLE OF PERSONALITY TO THE CENTENARY OF GEORGY CHERNISHEV’S BIRTH

eorgy N. Chernishev In May 1948, after was a man of a very accumulating all materials original personality. for rebuilding the combined cycle He possessed outstanding turbine plant, Chernishev received G skills of a leader, expertise orders to just reestablished Design and experience, fantastic addiction to Bureau No. 143 (today known work, which earned him a well-deserved as Malachite). He arrived in time authority in his professional community. to take part in all design and construction phases, as well as FACTORY’S SCHOOL dockside trials of the Project 617 submarine, developed at the Georgy Chernishev was born facility. in ’s Nikolayev on August 23, 1919 to a family of workers. He started NUCLEAR working at the age of 15, first at a factory BREAKTHROUGH school and then Nikolaev Shipyard. Soon after he joined the Nikolayev Shipbuilding In September 1952, as Institute, a war broke out. Having been a member of only a handful of enlisted, Chernishev resumed his specialists at SKB-143, led by training later in Przhevalsk, where the Vladimir Peregudov and mentored institute had been evacuated. Upon by Academician Anatoly Alexandrov graduating, he was assigned to the TsKB- of the USSR Academy of Sciences, 18 Central Design Bureau (today Chernishev mounted an effort to known as the Rubin Design Bureau), develop the first Soviet nuclear headquartered in at the time. Having arrived there submarine. These eventually came to fruition. They managed as a designer, 1st category, sometime into his fledgling career he was to prove that it was plausible to create a submarine powered promoted to a senior designer. In 1947, Chernishev was picked to by the first transport-grade, water-steam nuclear plant. join the Alexey Antipin-led group of specialists, deployed in German Nikolay Dollezhal, a corresponding member of the USSR Blankenburg. The task was to rebuild a special power plant, designed Academy of Sciences, was named the chief designer. Georgy by Helmut Walter, a German engineer. German shipbuilders used it Chernishev proved himself to be an outstanding professional in construction of their 26th series submarines. during the projects.

Leonid Brezhnev at the construction site of a Project 671 submarine, Admiralty Plant, 1965. Flanking Brezhnev are Georgy Chernishev (left) and Minister of Shipbuilding Industry Boris Butoma (right)

№3 (39) 2019 USC / 35 Award received for Project 671, 1968. The star of the Hero of Socialist Labor is awarded by the Secretary Launch of the K-38, a Project 671 submarine, Hull No. 600, of the regional committee, member of the Politburo of the Communist Party Central Committee, Grigory Romanov Leningrad Admiralty Association, 1966. Georgy Chernishev (left)

In April 1953, the USSR Council Ceremony of laying down flowers to the memorial of Ministers made a decision to plaque on G. Chernishev’s 100th birthday, go ahead with the development of August 23, 2019 a conceptual design of the first Soviet nuclear submarine of Project 627, later christened Leninsky Komsomol. Since then and through 1956, Chernishev worked as deputy head of the main plant section of newly established SKB- 143. Creativity, broad outlook, and permanent desire to look for non- standard solutions were instrumental in designing new nuclear submarines. November 1956 saw Chernishev deputy chief designer, assisting Vitaly Funikov in Project 639, a submarine carrying R-15 long-range missiles (chief designer Michael Yangel). Two years before this, the engineer had with an autonomous turbogenerator in one compartment. finished a conceptual design, boasting a range Instrumental in achieving high performance was a tough of solutions, crucial in submarine building, which competition for lower displacement. Later on, this came would later be integrated into competitive designs in handy for development of modifications of the design of 2nd generation nuclear submarines. at inland facilities of the country. Started as an ASW submarine, she evolved into a multi- MULTIPURPOSE SUBMARINE purpose platform. As she was still in construction, Russia developed missile systems, suitable for launching from Given its area of expertise, SKB-143 was tasked to torpedo tubes, namely Vyuga, Vodopad, Shkvak, Granat, design the Project 671 ASW submarine. Chernishev was and Kalibr. named the chief designer. The lead boat was commissioned This project earned Chernishev the title of the Hero in November 1967. There is no way to overestimate the impact of the Socialist Labor. of this event on the Soviet submarine building. Having gone Progressive solutions and resulting high performance laid for an absolutely new architectural solution boasting an axially a solid groundwork for the construction of several modifications. symmetric shape, the team achieved the best propulsion to Five years later, the Navy received the lead ship of Project length qualities. Her rather developed stern-mounted cross fins 671RT, boasting enhanced torpedo weapons, advanced long- provided stability at a record speed of around 34kt. At the same range torpedoes, 650mm Veter and T-65 missiles, modular time the submarine maintained a remarkable agility. design of the steam-turbine plant and lower noise signature. The submarine’s shape called for specific solutions, This job won Chernishev the USSR State Prize. namely adoption of a large diameter pressure hull, Meanwhile, the designer continued independent efforts to deployment of sonar and torpedo systems in the bow, improve the baseline model. These led to the Project 671RTM which had already become a standard approach, as well as lead ship, commissioned in 1977. She received cutting- installation of a single-shaft main turbo gear unit complete edge redioelectronics, Skat-S sonar equipment, Medveditsa

36 / USC №3 (39) 2019 ROLE OF PERSONALITY TO THE CENTENARY OF GEORGY CHERNISHEV’S BIRTH

Projects 971 and 671 are special milestones in Chernishev’s biography. The new research again resulted in a baseline model of a multipurpose nuclear submarine, boasting balanced characteristics and built-in modernization margin. However, what really matters in the design is its extremely low noise signature and deployment of an advanced sonar suite. Chernishev was adamant in achieving parity with the U.S. in the capability to detect submarines. Only Project 971 presented him with an opportunity to reach the goal in a concerted effort with contractors, research institutions and his own staff. It was an enormous endeavor, which saw integration of multiple proposals of researches and customers, as well as implementation of non-standard technical solutions. Going through her trials, the lead ship proved her superiority to the Los Angeles class. This put an end to our long fight to bridge the gap in such Academician Anatoly Alexandrov awards G. Chernishev an important characteristic of submarines as stealthiness. the Kurchatov Medal, 1982 In this respect, there is no ways to overestimate Georgy Chernishev’s contribution to this solution of state magnitude. navigation equipment, and Omnibus tactical data system. For this job Chernishev was awarded the State Prize of Moreover, the team further reduced the noise signature. the Russian Federation. The project took advantage of just developed nonacoustic systems and precision weapons, suitable for attacks on targets AUDACITY AND RESPONSIBILITY in the potential enemy’s territory. So outstanding were the characteristics of The success of turning torpedo-armed submarines into the Shchuka (Russian for pike), as the project later was torpedo- and missile-armed multipurpose superperformance dubbed, that the go-ahead was granted later to build platforms was shaped by Chernishev’s personal qualities a large class of 26 submarines, with two facilities sharing to a great extent. First and foremost, it is the burden of the workload, St. Petersburg’s Admiralty Shipyard and responsibility that the chief designer had to shoulder every Komsomolsk-on-Amur’s Leninsky Komsomol. The final time he made a decision in his project. It would not be out boat bringing up the rear of the class was commissioned of place to note his talent, multiplied by his hardworking in 1992. For this endeavor, Chernishev was awarded personality, sense of responsibility, as well as the capacity the Order of Lenin. The Project 671/671RT/671RTM to analyze thoughtfully and meticulously multiple options and submarines, totaling 48 pieces, proved to be true “working pick only the right ones. Similar to the conductor of a large horses,” always returning to their home ports, reliable boats orchestra, composed of a variety of musical instruments, of their time. who brings harmony and richness of sounds, Chernishev created pieces of his own – streamlined, gorgeous and THIRD GENERATION elegant submarines. He was extremely tolerant to opponents and possessed a sense of humor. Over the 45 years of In 1974, Chernishev was dual-hatted as the head and his work, Chernishev often found himself in situations, chief designer of the Malachite design bureau, combining when he had to prove himself right, argue, insist and the staffs of SKB-143 and TsKB16, a.k.a. Volna Central Design persuade. Thought, it was not a rare occasion when he got Bureau. Chernishev deserves the credit for the impeccably what he needed. He had this everlasting desire to boost executed merger, leaving offended no one on both teams and the effectiveness of submarines not only at the designing granting promotions based on merits to those, demonstrating phase but during the construction as well. That is what remarkable skills and expertise. happened to torpedo and missile weapons, sonar and non- Organizational difficulties triggered by this notwithstanding, acoustic equipment. Borne out of pure initiative of the chief the facility continued researches in an attempt to develop designer, Projects 671RTM and 971 came totally unplanned. a third-generation submarine. The year 1976 saw Solutions were audacious, but not a single error emerged. the presentation of an abbreviated conceptual design, dubbed A wise and conscientious man, Chernishev understood that Project 971. The lead submarine passed all required tests the Navy needed not only effective, but reliable submarines and was commissioned in 1984. In the same year, Chernishev as well. He respected submariners, appreciated their was named the chief designer of the new project. expertise, referred to their knowledge, and was always The job to build Project 971 submarines was assigned attentive to suggestions of the Navy. to two shipyards in Komsomolk-on-Amur and Severodvinsk. Georgy Chernishev died in 1997. He rests in Having been relieved from his obligations as the chief Volokovskoye Cemetery, St. Petersburg. In his memory, designer of Projects 671, 671RT and 671RTM, Georgy a memorial plaque was unveiled on the facade of Malachite’s Chernishev focused on the development of the Project 971 building. His name was given to a physical field measuring class of submarines. vessel of the Russian Northern Fleet and a stand was As for the other three projects, the Ministry of Shipbuilding put up in the design bureau, speaking volumes about his Industry unloaded them on Radiy Shmakov in 1984. endeavors.

№3 (39) 2019 USC / 37 PAGES OF GLORY 200TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE ANTARCTIC SCIENTIFIC BREAKTHROUGH

Direction post indicating distances. Bellingshausen, TO THE SOUTHERN Russian Antarctic Research Station, King George Island, HEMISPHERE Antarctic

In was in spring 1955 that I first heard about preparations of an expedition to the Antarctic from Ivan Papanin, then deputy director of the Institute of Oceanology of the USSR Academy of Science. They wanted to set up in that place an observatory for 24/7 observations and conduct first researches in the , notorious for its heavy storms

ALEXANDER LISITSYN Hemisphere. Its fringes projected into the ocean at one moment RAS academician, Shirshov Institute of Oceanology and withdrew from it at another. Here one witnesses the operation of the Russian Academy of Sciences of a natural ice thermometer in progress. It has grown more obvious for researchers and scientists that accurate forecasts of the environment and clime development in the past is contingent on these huge natural ice self-sustained nyway, researchers were attracted by the place fridges. scientifically for the place was a continent, totally All of a sudden, these efforts became needed in space uninhabited either by people or other living creatures exploration. A resolution of the International Geophysical with all water it had was in the solid state. Geological Committee covered not only continental efforts, but launches Aresearches suggest that similar or almost similar of geophysical rockets from the Antarctic and Hayes Island conditions rained in whole Europe up to the Urals and North America in the Arctic. in the past. Vast plots of land were covered by slabs of ice 2-3km thick. Proving this are huge boulders in fields and valleys, accumulations TIRELESS PAPANIN of stones and sand – glacial clay, ubiquitous lakes, terrain, etc. The Antarctic icecap was even larger than Europe. It is difficult Conveniently, in those years authorities still remembered to imagine all these cities and lands covered by ice. Ice does creep about the heroic endeavor of the station Severny Polus – there, moving from the cap center sideways to turn into icebergs. 1 (Russian for northern pole), drifting in the Arctic ice, landing The Northern Hemisphere also has continental ice regions. the job of planning a charge to the Antarctic and Southern Their center is . However, the surface of the Arctic Ocean on the laps of Papanin among other co-authors of Ocean has always been dominated not by a continent but ocean the initiative. First thing first, to get to the region they had to with drifting ice and icebergs. These are two icing models, start coming to the Southern Hemisphere, which was poorly continental and ocean. researched and almost unattended by Soviet expeditions. The main area of continental glacier now as in the not so Besides, it had been only a decade since the end of the Great distant geological past is in the Southern Hemisphere with the ice Patriotic War, meaning that the country just started its long spread pattern changing over time similarly to that in the Norther recovery, adopting a very frugal lifestyle.

38 / USC №3 (39) 2019 Arctic Circle

DEPOSITPHOTOS Leningrad Moscow Kaliningrad Hamburg

Suez Northern Tropic

Aden

Indian Ocean

Southern Tropic Pacific Ocean

Sydney

Cape Town Adelaide Wellington Atlantic Ocean Atlantic

Antarctic circle Station

The route of the first Comprehensive Antarctic Expedition of the USSR Academy of Science (sea part)

Nevertheless, almost a miracle happened, a tribute not TRAINS AND PLAINS to officials, but rather scientists with the Academy of Sciences and polar explorers, who were held in high esteem at the time. Of all modern transport systems available at the time, It is noteworthy that the job of organizing such an audacious the major role in the polar latitudes belonged to aviation and large expedition to the Antarctic, unknown to humanity before, and heat-insulated cat trains, heavy tracked tractors was given to the USSR Academy of Sciences with its Vice- pulling sledges. It was the latter that contributed most of President Academician Ivan Bardin picked to head the project. all to the exploration of the icecap, taking the teams over Other institutions of Morflot, a sea and river transport watchdog, thousands of kilometers. Hydrometeorological service and Glavsevmorput, governing Coming in the way of aviation operations were poor radio operations in the main northern route were brought in for technical and meteorological support, weather and lack of airfields. Though, assistance. This was one of the most complex endeavors ever cat trains were dangerous due to deep cracks in the icecap. undertaken by the Academy of Sciences. Tractor routes charted for seismic researches made the most It was dubbed KAE AN SSSR, a.k.a. Comprehensive Antarctic significant impact. They conducted a series of blasts, generating Expedition of the USSR Academy of Science. pulses of seismic waves, to measure the ice thickness. In the government, the project was supervised by Anastas The first data, collected on the continent, suggested that Mikoyan, assisted by Adm. Valisy Burkhanov, heading the the icecap was not just a slab of ice, but rather an ice system of Main Directorate of the Main Northern Route (Glavsevmorput). enormous dimensions. It was in constant motion over a stone Professor Michael Somov was named the head of the project surface, replete with cracks. on the continent for the first year, while Professor Vladimir Kort, Being 1-3km thick, the icecap generates extreme pressure leading the Institute of Oceanology, commanded the operation in over its bedrock with the interfacing layer capturing small and the ocean. large rock particles as it moves. It is in a way a natural rock The continental team was supposed to stay through winter to crusher or a giant grinder of global dimensions turning the rock continue observation and processing of materials collected during into small powder mixed with rock particles. In some places large the first summer. The first task facing the expedition was to build pieces come off finer material, exactly what researches observed a settlement on the icecap and start conducting first researches of in the Banger Oasis, 300km away from Mirny, reached by sea the continent before the polar night took over. geologists aboard of helicopters.

№3 (39) 2019 USC / 39 PAGES OF GLORY 200TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE ANTARCTIC DISCOVERY

Sedimentary materials are generated deep below the ice and handling heavy large-diameter seabed corers, weighing up to 5t. At moved by sub-ice “rock” coral rivers, taking ice to the ocean shore. the request of crews, the winches were deployed on both sides of Based on the surface line of the bedrock, researches identified the ship and stern, providing for operations in close ice conditions ice divides and subglacial valleys, as well as estuaries of solid ice when the screw of the ship was running. rivers. With the benefit of hindsight, one can say with a high degree Generated under the icecap are isolated ice reservoirs. Pieces of certainty that the sea part of the expedition would not be possible and fragments in them are consistent with composition of the had it not be for the well-engineered and executed conversion. bedrock sealed under thick ice. These ice rivers emerge as huge When taking seabed samples, the power plants had to be iceberg estuaries and steep cliff running the length of the bank. running at low speed at all times to keep the ice away, even though The process results in icebergs, huge natural floats with a rock the ship left ice opening astern. This approach of heading to the weight below. They travel hundreds and thousands of kilometers wind was called Captain Ivan Mann’s Method. Every time after the away from the icecap. Ever since they come off the huge slab of ice station was up and stowed, he called the lab to ask, “What have they are tracked by satellites. you caught?” The Antarctic rock crusher and grinder are a global machine, The vessel proved her ice capabilities during the first transit covering 12-14 thousand km2 and manifesting itself in the form of through fast and drifting ice in the vicinity of Mirny and kept perpetual noise in seismic recordings. These were results of the surprising everybody throughout the first voyage to eastern first four expeditions. Antarctic regions. During her second run to the area, Ob’ rescued the Japanese icebreaker Sōya from ice captivity responding to CONQUEROR OF ICE an emergency signal. The huge and hard hull coupled with good ice capabilities proved to be the right mix for unusual conditions in Needed was a research vessel, fit for operations in heavy and the Antarctic. super-complex ice conditions of the Roaring Forties and Furious Fifties with waves SEDIMENTS towering up to two EXPECTED dozen meters. She The Soviet veteran had to be at least of Antarctic expeditions VISUALRIAN The job to develop diesel steamer Ob’ delivered twice as big as Vityaz cargo to the Mirny research approaches and and able to resist observatory, 1974 techniques of operations to waves for hours “in hazardous conditions” at a time, while the landed not only on job was done on her the plate of geologists, deck, and respond to who handled equipment steering equally good and gear weighing up in various propulsion to 100kg, but Captain modes. This narrowed Mann’s as well. the range of options His was to figure to a diesel-electric out how to stabilize powered platform. the vessel against Besides, an ice- the wind with due capable ship was consideration of her drift favored more than an and maintain the rope icebreaker, unsuitable vertically over the board, for operations in rough seas. Another important requirement which implied that the ship had to be kept at a very low speed, was to equip the future ship with navigation gear, providing her something possible to do only on a diesel-electric ship. Everything coordinates even in uncharted sea areas. seemed pretty much straightforward, but the gusting wind and To support wintering periods in the Arctic, the USSR ordered waves kept the vessel listed. The bridge and winch operators in the Netherlands two cargo-and-passenger diesel-electric ships had to demonstrate outstanding cohesion, which took a while to Ob’ and Lena, displacing 12,000t each. It was decided to turn one develop. In rough seas waves not only covered the deck, it was not of them into a unique ice-capable research vessel. The conversion unheard of when they brushed the bridge as well. To assist winch was carried out as planned in a timely manner, thanks to operations, a jackstay was stretched across the deck for crew the impetus provided by ministers and Papanin’s team. members to hold to it. By the set deadline, Ob’ had started taking loads – about Another hazard was that in bad weather, any device lifted from 4-5 thousand tons of aircraft, tractors, helicopters, all-terrain water turned into a heavy and dangerous pendulum. vehicles, portable houses, power plants, etc. The inaugural run of Collected samples had to be fast processed in the ship’s the vessel in the Davis Sea in fast ice conditions, aggravated by primary treatment lab complete with a self-sustained power strong winds, proved that such operations were plausible. plant feeding metering gear, communication line connecting with the deck, as well as other things essential to support its operation in LAB IN THE OCEAN heavy meteorological conditions, polar night and snow. In the lab, scientists created a unique plant of suspended matter, part of which During the conversion, the ship received at least six Ocean was used to study and precipitate dissolved substances. A third winches and four modern research labs. Though, the most plant was used for aerosol analysis (atmospheric suspended challenging task proved to be the deployment of heavy twin-drum material). There was also a fourth section to process and research winch for trawling at depths of up to 8-10 thousand meters and moraine subglacial formations of the Antarctic icecap. All these

40 / USC №3 (39) 2019 120 90 60

Atlantic Pacific Ocean Ocean

150 30 facilities, capable of around-the-clock operations, were set up by the crew and builders during the transit. Advanced capabilities of the research vessel Ob’ proved to be instrumental in taking just started studies further during the ship’s first voyage already. Furthermore, scientists could do them in areas, not long before unthinkable in moderate and tropical 80 0 zones, let alone the Roaring latitudes. Processes were studied not only in seabed samples, but in the body of water as well, continuing efforts kicked off during the first voyages of Vityaz. Results caused a sensation in science. Matters dissolved in water, as well as atmosphere, snow, ice and icebergs precipitate to the seabed, creating the top layer of the bottom. 150 30 These micro-particles literally “record” the precipitation process history. Thus, by studying the matters, both precipitated and suspended in the water, one can draw conclusions about a gamut of various natural processes. The challenge in the whole thing is Mirny that such matters are in abundance by no means, requiring special station nuclear filters, capturing particles less than 0.45µ. Then they are Indian exposed to microscopic studies and various analyses. Back in 120 90 Ocean 60 those days, equipment was 10 times less sensitive, accounting for the need to process volumes of bottom water. Researches Layout of an ice-collecting pool in the Antarctic [Kotlyakov, 1994]. developed 200l and 400l water sampling devices, featuring special The border of the major ice-collecting pools (determined by subglacial ridges (1), ice stream lines (2, 3) running along valleys to the ocean and opening with sedimentation traps. For top layers researches deployed multi- iceberg estuaries (triangles) for unloading the ice stage immersible stainless steel pumps. To capture suspended matter deployed were industrial separators, similar to THE SEA PART OF PLEASE MEET THE SHELF! those adopted in medical plants producing antibiotics. These were extremely heavy THE EXPEDITION WOULD Preparations of the vessel for bottom machines almost as tall as a human being, NOT BE POSSIBLE HAD IT contour researches was conducted by made from stainless steel and provided by geomorphologists, led by Professor Swiss Alfa Laval under a special contract. NOT BE FOR THE WELL- Alexander Zhivago. They managed Ob’ was the first in the whole world to ENGINEERED AND to obtain and deploy in the ship lab two carry a separation lab featuring other types of EXECUTED CONVERSION advanced Soviet acoustic depth finders, machines as well, namely a drum separator deep and shallow water. They run at and disc stack centrifuge providing stages OF THE SHIP all times when the vessel moved. They 1 and 2 respectively. High-speed separators supplied data, comprised an atlas of the bottom are particularly dangerous in rough seas, since of the Southern Ocean. Multiple maps were the drum performing thousands of revolutions per minute published and made a basis for the navigational maps can come off its mounting any moment. of the Navy. Special analyses of rock samples suggested that the bedrock In the first four voyages, which included a team of petrographic composition was extremely diverse, however in the Institute of Oceanology, resulted in numerous discoveries. southern zones of the ocean researches came up with a whole For one thing, the shelf surprised everybody, particularly new belt of marine ice sediments, which had been unknown before. the zone lying 200m below the surface. In the Antarctic, In the North, the belt butt-ends against the global diatom siliceous the shelf bearing the load of the icecap submerged to 100-200m belt, 30-70 percent comprised of diatom flaps. The maximum with its fringe running parallel to the icecap edge. The place content of amorphous silica is 70-plus percent. The southern silica was called the Lazarev Valley. They also managed to draw belt traces were discovered in bottom sediments and suspended a bathymetric map of the Davis Sea, washing the shore of matters. the Mirny observatory. Other discoveries included the Lena and Other discoveries are attributed to studies of bottom sediment Ob Seamounts, crossing of the mid-ocean ridge of the Southern columns, penetrating deep into the geological history. Stretching Ocean, which just became a subject of recent studies and around 15m tops, these columns revealed the variation of borders later paved the way for the age of lithosphere plate tectonic of major types of sediments in the past and were instrumental explorations. Most of these data, ending up in the hands in developing a working stratigraphic scale of the Southern of hydrographers, was included in the first Soviet maps of hemisphere. This is the history of ice ages replaced by periods of the Southern Ocean. warming as opposed to the conditions of the Northern Hemisphere. The sea expedition in the Antarctic was full of results, Standing particularly prominent among other devices was a contributing to all Earth sciences. The credit for the most giant coring tube, a.k.a. the Tzar Tube. It retrieved samples not only significant impact goes to the first four voyages, when sea from the bottom surface, but far lower layers, dating back hundreds studies were the focal point. of thousands of years, as well. The year 1960 saw a shift of attention from the sea to the This design took the capacity of the winch, developed and continent. Most of our special gear was removed from the ship, mounted on Ob’ in the run-up to the research voyage, to its limit. turning sea operations from advanced researches in the spirit The whole thing weighs 5-plus tons with the bore core spanning of the Academy of Science into routine and outdated. However, 130mm in diameter. the first four voyages bore scores of significant results.

№3 (39) 2019 USC / 41 PAGES OF GLORY

VISUALRIAN 200TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE ANTARCTIC DISCOVERY

icecap volume to be a viable tool in researches. This allows to figure out the dynamics of water distribution through the three states over time and not only track changes in the continental and sea environments, but also apply this data to the evaporation zone in the tropics to determine its impact on the overall balance in the zone. This zone stands out for its enormous scope and magnitude in the history of geology. The fact makes water a “compensator” and indicator of its three volumes. There are sufficient grounds to claim that upon getting to the Arctic Ocean, the continental part of the lithospheric plate will turn Europe and Asia into colder places. Moreover, if the continental plate maintains its position, Earth will witness a global record of negative temperatures falling to -100° and below! The diesel steamer Ob’ is welcomed to Leningrad from her Antarctic expedition. The aforementioned indicates that a crucial role in August 1, 1973 the history of environment and climate development belongs to lithospheric plate tectonics. Efforts aimed at studying this aspect Though, researches of the Southern Hemisphere in terms by means of manned underwater vehicles have been underway of lithosphere plate tectonics kicked off in the late ‘50s, there at the Institute of Oceanology for the past 30 years. The results are still many loose ends. One of them is the vertical motion suggest that through mid-ocean ridges a considerable amount of the continental Antarctic plate prompted by the icecap load. of endogenic matter of the hot magma, heated up to 1,200°С, As we already know, imposed by the largest slab of ice on Earth, comes into contact with water. Another observation was that this load changes in space and time. During the sea exploration every 1,000m added 100 atmospheres to the water pressure. program, it was determined that the load is a key factor in At the same time, this changes water properties, turning it into shaping the bottom contour. a fluid aggressive to the basaltic lava, dissolving basalts as if It was the first comprehensive expedition, encompassing they were sugar, dropped into a cup of tea. The process starts both the continent and ocean of the Southern Hemisphere. shaping ore minerals and hydrothermal vents. By any means a remarkable discovery of the period was 4D that copper, zinс and other heavy metals on the continent had derived from pyritic ore, aged up to 500 mln. years. During the exploration of seas and oceans of various Given the minerals, chemical composition and biogenic climatic zones, researchers came up with a 4D system of residues in the pyritic ore of the South Urals and other oceanological studies. Besides the three standard coordinates, regions, the crust obviously originated in the ocean. This is i.e. latitude, longitude and depth, they phased in a fourth one of new indicators of conditions shaping the sea crust of indicator, time. This allowed to study the simultaneous aspect in the lithospheric plates. the events in the ocean and on the continent not only in terms When turning into ice, sea water undergoes a cold of variation of the quantity of matter in the suspended material distillation process with most of salts and suspended matter and bottom sediments, but its types and their dependence on “squeezed” and just a fraction of them preserved in micro the distance to the icecap as well. This comparative analysis was bubbles. the first-ever, albeit incomplete, conducted in the region. Not least important is the third state of water, namely vapor, The continental researches suggested that the icecap i.e. fog and clouds. The process also affects the arid zones, was around four meters thick. About 2/3s of them, the ice part of distilling sea water and “squeezing” dissolved salts out of it. This the cap, are the modern zone of the most severe environment and results in distillate, i.e. fog, clouds, and rain drops, accompanied climate conditions on the planet. The degree of cold is perilously by their subsequent movement to a new location where they close to that on some planets of the solar system, 89.2°. will fall. Salts, remaining in their original location, have been A comparative analysis of the glaciers in the Southern extracted at shallow water sites and in mines since ancient times. Hemisphere, developed on the continental crust, with The fact automatically rates them as ancient deposits. the Northern Hemisphere, a second maximum severity zone Direct probes into processes on the Antarctic continent but grown on the ocean crust, suggests that it is the crust type and Southern Ocean, encircling Earth’s major continental ice that ultimately determines the climate severity. The severity of accumulation area pave the way for new studies in physics, the maritime part is somewhat offset by the liquid sea. The Arctic chemistry, biology, and ocean geology. Ocean, possessing milder conditions, is covered by drifting ice, It would not be an exaggeration at all to say that the providing a special circulation. In other words, the place lacks the materials, collected in the Antarctic by all-weather and ice- kind of hard cap of the Southern Ocean. capable vessels, pointed to synchronous changes of water Geologists claim that Earth went through repeating cycles of states. crust changes in the zones of extreme severity. There is a way to The motive power of the “stone crushers” comes from ice forecast their future movement by measuring the motion vector elevated above the level of the world ocean. Today the Antarctic of the lithospheric plates, their continental parts in particular. is in average 2,165m above the level. Europe and Asia are Thus, we have areas on our planet, possessing water elevated 300m and 950m respectively. The last glacierization in various states, changing over time due to the motion resulted in the ocean level dropping by another 100-120m. of the lithospheric plates. Liquid water is replaced by zones The power of the natural “stone crusher” is also registered of “solid” water and vapor. The interaction of the three states by the level of the world ocean, telling us among other things of water and their sediments proves the global ocean level and the location of the pole of severe conditions, which we explored

42 / USC №3 (39) 2019 VISUALRIAN

during the expedition. The glacierization will peak when Soviet research station Mirny. The 34th Soviet Antarctic expedition, autumn 1988 – spring 1989. the continental crust comes over both poles simultaneously. This makes the Antarctic icecap an indicator of a paleoclimate, with the history of its processes being one of The experience of the Soviet vessel proved to be extremely the primary tasks of the lithospheric plate theory. valuable in her construction and outfitting. Exchanges of articles, books and maps followed the briefings. Russian scientists later PEACE AMBASSADORS took part in several expeditions to both poles aboard the German icebreaker. During the sea part of the exploration program the crew Scientific ties ensued in the continental Arctic as well. Many made port calls to New Zealand’s Wellington, Australia’s foreign researches stayed in Mirny over winters, while Soviet Adelaide, as well as Cape Town and Hamburg. scientists were often put up aboard of stations There the crew not only set up tours of of other nations. Not least important was the ship, but also met leading scientists of assistance extended to each other when universities, geological services and sailors. RESEARCHES IN aircraft and helicopters were caught Particularly important was a meeting with THE ANTARCTIC PAVES in distress. of the University of Adelaide, Finally, discussions of joint efforts a.k.a. Nansen of the Southern Hemisphere. THE WAY FOR NEW STUDIES in the Antarctic led to a triumphant Mawson made the study of Australia’s Antarctic IN PHYSICS, CHEMISTRY, agreement signed by 12 countries his life-long endeavor. Having visited Ob’, BIOLOGY, AND OCEAN on December 2, 1959, effectively the scientists invited his Soviet to the university a waiver of their rights for the territory and presented them with impressions collected GEOLOGY of the pole, proclaiming the sixth in the course of his researches. Quite an impact continent free for researches and off limits for was made by Australia’s Minister of Lands, who deployment of military units or industrial facilities. were present at the meetings. This turned the Antrarctic into the world’s largest reserve, A week spent in Hamburg proved to be equally fruitful in celebrating its 60th anniversary this year. The duration terms of starting international contacts. of the agreement is unlimited. It paved the way for our science Our scientists made several presentations and consultations to the Southern Hemisphere up to the Southern Pole and covering a variety of issues to include the construction of parts of the Southern Ocean adjacent to it. This is yet another the first German icebreaker Polarstern, which was supposed to evidence of the effectiveness of interaction of researches and become a counterpart of Ob’ as far as her performance went. their initiative in solving major global issues.

THE THICKNESS OF ICE IN THE EASTERN ANTARCTIC, BASED ON THE SEISMIC DATA COLLECTED DURING THE COMPREHENSIVE ARCTIC EXPEDITION, SECTIONED ALONG THE INACCESSIBILITY POLE – MIRNY LINE; THE BEDROCK AND ROCK-AND-ICE LAYER CONTOURS. The arrow shows the general direction of the ice motion from an altitude of 2-4km to the level of ocean (left) resulting in the generation of “iceberg estuaries” opening to the ocean Height m Inaccessibility Pole Komsomolkaya Sovetskaya 4000 Vostok 1 Pionerskaya 3000

2000

1000 Mirny

0

-1000 Depth 0 500 km 1000 km 1500 km 2000 km

№3 (39) 2019 USC / 43 TO THE 60TH

ANNIVERSARY Project 10580 nuclear ice-breaker Vaygach OF THE NUCLEAR PAGES OF GLORY ICEBREAKER HISTORY FLEET

The history of Russia’s Nuclear Icebreaker Fleet dates back to December 3, 1959, when a state committee signed a certificate, approving the world’s first-ever nuclear-powered civilian vessel for operation, the icebreaker Lenin

aid down in August 1956 at the Admiralty Shipyard, the ship was built within Lthe shortest possible timeframe – she was floated out no later than in

16 months. Her unique features boosted Project 10521 nuclear ice-breaker the exploration of the Northern Sea Route Yamal to a new level. Having combined their efforts, Russian shipbuilders created a unique and so far, unsurpassed Nuclear Icebreaker Fleet over the past 60 years, giving our country an edge in implementation of new Arctic projects for decades to come. The year 2018 witnessed the birth of three icebreakers, delivered by the United Shipbuilding Corp. (USC), namely Evgeny Primakov, Alexander Sannikov, and Andrey Vilkitsky. Today, work is apace at the to build three 60mW Project 22220 giant icebreakers. One has to note that this sector is one of the prominent trends in the world. USC possesses everything there is to design and build special ice-capable vessels. Taking full advantage of the enormous experience generated by predecessors, USC’s staff are engaged in new projects, continuing down the glorious path of shipbuilding development in Russia.

Arctic-class nuclear ice-breaker Sovetsky Soyuz (Project 10521), built at the Baltic Shipyard

44 / USC №3 (39) 2019 Project 10521 Arctic-class nuclear ice-breaker 50 let Pobedy (Russian for 50 years of the Victory)

The floating out of the world’s first nuclear ice-breaker Lenin at the Admiralty Shipbuilding Plant (today known as Admiralty Shipyards) on December 5, 1957

Project 10081 ice-breaker transport vessel (LASH carrier) Sevmorput (Russian for Northern Sea Route)

The launch of the Project 22220 nuclear ice-breaker Ural at the Baltic Shipyard on May 25, 2019

Project 22220 nuclear ice-breaker Arctic

Project 10521 nuclear ice-breaker Rossiya (Russian for Russia)

№3 (39) 2019 USC / 45 Participants of the round table aboard Krasin

MIKHAIL USTINOV It is not fortuitous that they met aboard Krasin. It is this class Columnist of icebreakers that paved the way for exploration of Russia’s North. In the early 20th century, this ship (christened Svyatogor at the time) constructed at Armstrong Whitworth GRAVITY POLE in Newcastle, GB, seemed the pinnacle in engineering. However, today Krasin of colossal size looks One of the series of events celebrating the 60th anniversary like a toy compared to the giants of of the Nuclear-powered Icebreaker Fleet was a round table hosted the new family of Russian general- purpose icebreakers, Project 22220. by USC’s President Alexei Rakhmanov aboard the Krasin icebreaker. There is no way to overestimate The participants discussed the role of shipbuilding and navigation the importance of the exploration of in exploration of the Northern Sea Route and development the Northern Sea Route. Its cargo traffic of the Arctic territories is to jump to 80 mln. tones in 2024 and continue rising to 100 mln. tones through 2035, provided everything stays on track. However, even today’s he wardroom of the icebreaker Krasin indicator has hit an all-time high by all moored at Vasilyevsky Island gathered means. According to Mustafa Kashka, prominent shipbuilders, scientists and heading Atomflot, this year’s cargo officials – those who call the shots traffic reached almost 30 mln. tones, in development of Russia’s North a fivefold jump from the USSR’s level. and pave the way for its exploration. Yet there is much to do to build up Present were USC’s President Alexei the fleet capacity further. T Rakhmanov, Deputy Minister of “All in all, besides the icebreakers Transport Yury Tsvetkov, Rosatom’s we will need 200-plus ice-capable Deputy Director General Vyacheslav ships to carry cargo from the Arctic. Ruksha, Head of the Kurchatov Institute These include bulk freighters and Alexander Blagov, Alexander Makarov super-tankers for handling LNG and running the Arctic and Antarctic oil,” says Deputy Minister of Transport Institute, as well as numerous heads Yury Tsvetkov. of shipyards, parented by the Corp., The construction of the and directors of museums and experts Project 22220 icebreakers is aimed at engaged in the sector. They met to providing uninterrupted 24/7 operation make sure they remained on the same of ’s oil terminal Arctic page for it is their decisions and fine- Gates, in the interest of tuned actions that shape the success of the Yamal LNG project, as well as the Arctic development. another large terminal looming on

46 / USC №3 (39) 2019 60 YEARS OF THE NUCLEAR ICEBREAKER FLEET ROUND TABLE

the horizon, Arctic LNG-2. “These two projects will propel Russia to the level of 6-8 percent of the world LNG production volume. But the fleet is of the essence. We need to have another five nuclear icebreakers by 2025,” notes Vyacheslav Ruksha, the Director of the Norther Sea Route. According to the official, by the mid-2030s, major cargo ways on the route will have turned east, granting Russia for the first time ever in its history a unimpeded access to markets in the Pacific, with USC playing a major hand in making it possible. The approach to the North exploration, now more systemic and focused on the future, has changed as well. All participants of the round table echoed the idea that it was essential to plan 15-20 years ahead. Needed are hydrographic surveys and routing for navigation of large ships, as well as emergency response and safety protocols, communications arrangements Deputy Minister of Transport – Head of Rosmorrechflot Yury Tsvetkov and development of the regional energy and USC’s President Alexei Rakhmanov sector. Apart from the construction of In 2021, the UN is to kick off icebreakers, an area where the Russian the implementation of its program shipbuilders are the recognized world Decade of Ocean Science for leaders, USC’s specialists are engaged Sustainable Development. Museums’ in development of robotic underwater contribution to the ocean exploration platforms. Work is apace at the Sredne- is not least important for they Nevskiy Shipyard to build the automated bringing up the interest in seas and research vessel Pioner-M, while spring shipbuilding and are engaged in serious 2019 witnessed the laying down at researches. Svetlana Sivkova, running Admiralty Shipyards of the Severny the Kaliningrad-based Museum of Polus, a floating laboratory for conducting the World Ocean, approached USC a great diversity of researches, to secure assistance in preserving self-sustained in ice conditions and museum ships and their hulls. In her boasting a mind-boggling endurance address the curator suggested that Deputy Director General of Rosatom – for a conventional craft of two years. Director of the Northern Sea Route Vyacheslav Ruksha a number of historical ships, including The year 2019 was declared the Lenin, Vityaz and Krasin, be granted Year of Science at USC. And it very reactors, methods for calculation of the status of UNESCO’s World Heritage much resonates with the occasion. Half physical fields were developed and sites, as well as put forward the initiative a century all major scientific endeavors biological protection issues were solved. of naming one of the icebreakers were channeled away from Earth. These once put the Russian shipbuilders in construction Svyatogor. It is not The solar system became better known ahead of its counterparts in the world and fortuitous, since it is the would-be to humans than the world ocean. Only still bear fruits. Today, as 60 years ago, namesake, later renamed into Krasin, think that people reached the Northern Russia faces global challenges, requiring that led the way in the active exploration pole aboard the Arktika icebreaker only a joint and united response. The time has of the Northern Sea Route. in 1977, 16 years after the first space come for another united endeavor. Many young people lament that flight. The challenge of overcoming The USSR attributed much they were born into the wrong period: gravity turned out to be an easier thing to significance to the exploration of too early for flights to other planets and do than to plough the way through the ice the world ocean. Many of the Soviet too late for exploration of Earth. But field of northern seas. discoveries are still relevant on the they are wrong, for it is here in Russia’s However, the exploration global scale. This said, the Arctic North a new front has been established of the North was a bigger factor, exploration calls for more knowledge. for future researches and explorations. encouraging technological development. The year 2019 saw the first in two-plus Ignored in the 20th century, it has to be It shows in the development of decades large-scale high-latitude Arctic taken care of in the 21st. USC believes the first nuclear-powered icebreaker. expedition encompassing all seas of the that thorough researches, ecosystem The project resulted in enormous Arctic ocean, namely Transarctic 2019. preservation and thoughtful utilization of scientific groundwork: conducted were Scientists are going the whole nine yards, the world ocean resources are essential numerous studies of materials, nuclear studying the bottom, the composition of ways for future development of the whole interactions and chemical aspects of ice, ocean and atmosphere. humanity.

№3 (39) 2019 USC / 47 POINTS OF GROWTH KNOWLEDGE MANAGEMENT SYSTEM SHUTTERSTOCK

Time to collect knowledge

The world trend of turning knowledge into assets and USC’s the performance of the future system desire to better utilize our intellectual capital in boosting and analyzing best practices in Russia competitive advantages paved the way for establishing and abroad. This resulted in USC adopting this spring a knowledge a knowledge management system in USC management concept and roadmap for its implementation. The system that we are creating will let the corporation e consider knowledge as an asset, address problems of accessing allowing humans or organizations to take the knowledge base, cutting right decisions, be responsive and act redundancy in development, repeating effectively in certain conditions. errors, or loosing critical knowledge YEKATERINA or competences for that matter. LARINA WHY MANAGING It would be in order to note that Project Manager, W KNOWLEDGE the platform will be of a general nature, Department of Technical encompassing the entire corporation Development, USC It would be false to say that USC did and combining the employees of all not do it before. We did stockpile facilities, which broadens the scope hard and soft copies of documents, in terms of the number of fields that we train personnel and young specialists, will be able to cover. On the downside practice mentoring and apprenticeship, are limitations, deriving from inspire innovative mindset, take part in commercial interests of individual industry conferences, bring together companies. experts for research and technical councils. But these classic approaches HOW DOES IT WORK? fell short of the desired goal, particularly given the fact that not all facilities Our knowledge management system of the corporation were consistent comes in the form of new processes in the employment of this array and procedures to be integrated into of measures and approaches. the routine of all our employees. Last year an effort was mounted These include convenient and modern to study the current state of knowledge IT-tools, as well as measures, aimed at management in USC, accumulating shifting the corporate culture towards requirements and expectation informational transparency, readiness

PHOTO BY N. SUMINA BY PHOTO of managers and employees from to share knowledge both at the level

48 / USC №3 (39) 2019 For USC, as any other large corporation, engaged in designing and manufacturing hi-tech products, the issue of stockpiling, systematization and distribution of professional knowledge is very much alive

of enterprises and employees. of each person and manifesting in his or This year efforts are about to her expertise, skills, intuition, and views. kick off to develop an information and For transmitting such knowledge, technological platform with a smart we also have multiple tools at hand, knowledge base being at its core. We will including mentoring programs, teach the platform in semi-automatic presentations of best practices at various mode, check uniqueness of data entities corporate events, professional communities and classify them, monitor and meetings with violations of copyrights experts, video and allied rights, screen for IMPLICIT KNOWLEDGE interviews with irrelevant data, generate experts, as well analyses and reports, and IMPLICIT KNOWLEDGE as their blogs and provide the database with IS GAINED DURING PRACTICAL forums based on an advanced intellectual OPERATIONS AND CAN ONLY the information and BE EXTENDED TO ANOTHER PERSON search engine. PARTIALLY AND VOLUNTARILY technical platform of This said, it is not the system. the AI that will have the WE ALWAYS KNOW MORE At later stages ALEXANDER upper hand in the system, THAN WE CAN SAY, AND WE WILL the system can ALWAYS SAY MORE THAN WE CAN SOLOVYEV but rather experts, be augmented WRITE DOWN Director General employees of USC, by an idea bank, of the Vyborg Shipyard possessing knowledge THERE IS NO WAY intra-corporate and expertise in a certain TO MAKE AN INVENTORY OF OUR crowdsourcing We believe that if treated seriously, area. They will be able OWN KNOWLEDGE, AT EACH PARTICULAR sub-system, the implementation of the project will MOMENT WE KNOW ONLY WHAT to provide reasoned resource exchange let us escape scores of errors both in WE KNOW AT THAT MOMENT the design and construction phases, opinions on various and predictive step up dramatically the technical issues, verify knowledge, IN REAL SITUATIONS support system, level of maritime equipment and advise colleagues on THE KNOWLEDGE THAT WE NEED providing a user with labor efficiency. WILL MANIFEST ITSELF solving problems, and information stored share their experience on FAILURE TEACHES US MORE THAN in the data base, SERGEY their own blog. While the SUCCESS which is relevant to KUNIN process of listing such the work he or she Chief engineer unique specialists is still in is performing on with the Shiprepairing Center progress, we are resolved the computer. Zvyozdochka to initiate a special policy for them to keep them at USC and facilitate the knowledge EVERYBODY GAINS The project has everything there is to encompass a great sharing with young personnel. This way diversity of knowledge in shipbuilding we want to stop the drain of knowledge The adoption of the system will prove and maintenance. Given its and expertise associated with the to be instrumental in stockpiling and emphasis on the exchange of data departure or retirement of key experts. developing data bases in shipbuilding, between companies, the system will have a positive impact on What to add to the base will rest taking more effective management, design construction and maintenance terms with the heads of companies, USC’s and production decisions, identifying and costs. scientific and technical council, and rank and implementing over and over again and file members. Any employee will be ‘best practices’, as well as transferring EVGENY able to suggest something for publishing. knowledge to future generations. Besides, ZUDIN As soon as it is checked and approved the system will come in handy for Director General by experts, the data will become part hedging risks, related to the loss of critical of the 10 Shipyard of the database. expertise, and supporting innovative and The project will envisage such tools technical development processes. We believe that the knowledge as ‘accumulation of lessons learned It is engineers, specialists and designers management system will set up favorable conditions for generating and best practices’ and ‘analysis of who will gain most of all, for the system solutions to general problems, facing the completed project results.’ This way grants them access to knowledge and many of us in our trade, and making the knowledge of experience gained by information, which otherwise cannot be impact on the import substitution enterprises, cutting-edge technologies found anywhere, let alone in the Internet. initiative. and solutions developed and tested, It will let them communicate with key expert solutions to various technological on USC’s staff and share experience, get ALEXANDER and design problems will proliferate. heard by their colleagues and recognized YESHCHENKO Obviously, the initiative will cut down by the professional community. Deputy Director General the time and resources needed to carry For implementation of the pilot of the Baltic Shipyard out tasks, for which effective solutions project USC shortlisted Admiralty (2018) have already been found. Shipyards, Vympel design office, Baltic We believe that the pilot project Provisions have been made to have Shipyard, and Onega Research and will become a solid platform for the new system encompass so called Development Technological Bureau. sharing experience and expertise, implicit knowledge, always present Look for the first results in no more thus boosting USC’s research and in the conscience, behavior, perceptions than a year. technical potential.

№3 (39) 2019 USC / 49 EMBASSY OF SHIPBUILDING

The most advanced demonstrations center of the United Shipbuilding Corp. (USC) on the premises of the Patriot park, Russia, was established in preparation for the International Military and Technical Forum Army 2017 and since then has grown into a platform hosting the most interesting events, both intracorporate and those of a larger magnitude, impacting the entire shipbuilding industry

he center covering 1,500m2 are welcome to put on 3D glasses and go the Minister of Education Andrey Petrov, houses around 3 dozen on a tour of a shipyard and see how ships representatives of enterprises of USC, UAC, scaled models of military are built thanks to a virtual reality zone Rosmorport, Atomenergomash, Institute of ships and submarines, powered by the FutuRift system. Europe of the Russian Academy of Science, Tconstructed for the Russian It is not unheard for the center to Military Academy of the General Staff, etc. Ministry of Defense and foreign partners. gather prominent figures. Among those The place hosts round tables, Besides, it offers multimedia materials who have already been there are Minister conferences, contract signing ceremonies, on USC’s activities and provides a huge of Industry and Trade Denis Manturov celebrations of various USC’s special business area, including multiple rooms for and his deputy Gulnaz Kadyrova, Minister occasions, as well as exhibitions. negotiations and a conference hall. Guests of Defense Sergey Shoygu, Advisor to Shipbuilders and visiting experts engage in discussions of priorities of Russia’s maritime policy and trends in the development of military and commercial shipbuilding, role of shipbuilding in strengthening the naval potential of Russia and its role in the economic power and many other not less significant issues. A special aspect of the center’s activity profile is tours for students and undergraduates, who can learn a couple of things about the corporation and the impact of shipbuilding on the economy and life of the country. Folks are particularly attracted to models of the most advanced ships and submarines, comprising pride and glory of the Russian Navy today.

50 / USC №3 (39) 2019 FIRSTHAND USC’S PREMISES

№3 (39) 2019 USC / 51 52 / USC №3 (39) 2019 APPROVED INTERVIEW WITH AN ARTIST

SHOWING RUSSIA STRONG

ALENA KARIMOVA

Artist Zinaida Yusova – a member of the Moscow Union of Artists, Russia’s Union of Artists, winner of Russian and international contests. She authored the project Russia’s Industry, demonstrating the renaissance and development of various sectors in our country. Since Zinaida pictures industrial life, some of her pieces are about shipbuilding. Coincidently it happened that the grand project kicked off with a picture of the -based Lotos shipbuilding plant

Nizhnevolzhskneft, Zavodskaya Solar My series of paintings expanded, Power Station. These started my industrial encompassing other facilities, including endeavor. Painted nine facilities in those of Lukoil and Gazprom. I saw fields Astrakhan, each of them done in a different of solar panels, food industry enterprises, style with different techniques applied. canning plants, saw how they grew young All in all, including pictures of the city, I had sturgeons to let them go into the river. – Zinaida, would you please tell us 150 graphic drawings and 30 paintings. Then all that I managed to capture in how you ended up at Lotos? Lotos gave me the first impression of the city – impressed by everything I saw – I went to the Astrakhan region a real and functioning industry. At the time there – paved the way for an exhibition, to picture steps, poppies, salt lakes, the plant was engaged in the construction hosted by the Astrakhan State Art Gallery. Astrakhan’s architecture. I roamed over of an RST27 chemical tanker and the entire city, capturing various sites. PV300VD cruise ship. They had just What other cities did you go? Collected a book of pictures. But then started the latter when I came. It was – St. Petersburg. There I went to it occurred to me that there was nothing the very birth of the ship. Having been the Baltic Shipyard, saw the launch about the Volga river in it. It was not granted access to the plant, it dawned on of the Ural icebreaker. Visited the good, since the city and river are an item. me that the Russian industry was entering construction site of the Nord Stream During my third trip there I ended up at a new huge loop of its development. project. Went to a compressor Lotos. It opened a different city to me: It comes in various shapes and colors plant, hydroelectric plant, nuclear Astrakhan Diesel Locomotive Repair Plant, at different facilities, but the magnitude power plant... I have been to Gazprom Dobycha Astrakhan, Lukoil- and scale are always great. around 60 facilities in the past >>

№3 (39) 2019 USC / 53 APPROVED INTERVIEW WITH AN ARTIST

Project RST 25\7, sculpture, steel

two years. In Tyumen, I pictured a dozen Being the largest in Europe, it trains 300 about but still very important. I take pleasure ZapSibNeftekhim’s facilities and a plywood children in the painting section. Add their in running workshops to children and taking manufacturing plant. Wherever I go, I do parents and try to imagine the magnitude of them on tours of exhibitions. my best to explore the place meticulously. the community! At 18, I had 1,000 trainees, I have also been to the Far East at Zvezda whom I met and was responsible for. Then – Well then there is an educational and Blagoveshchensk at one of Gazprom’s I went on to lecture at a higher education aspect to the project, isn’t it? plats there. institution for another 10 years. In the – It is indeed. And to this end, past three years, I have been into painting the essential thing is to cooperate with – Does anybody else in Russia do facilities and enterprises, since for every things like what you do? new picture that I take up drawing or – I think I am the first modern artist painting I ask professionals to tell me in the world, who have been to so many about their trade. In the USSR we used to complex and functioning facilities. Since have a separate trend, namely industrial all of them are off-limits to outsiders, painting. However, when we come across it is quite a challenge to get inside. pieces of art, created by Soviet artists, I guess the endeavor already invoked they offer just enough information to guess some disciples. what facility is depicted without any further detail whatsoever. What is going inside, – What makes you travel to other what kind of a project is apace – these parts of Russia? You are a Muscovite, are left beyond the picture. Meanwhile, aren’t you? there are some incredible industrial – True, I am also with the Moscow installations, one might find it great to learn Union of Artists. Finished a regular high more about them. Say, a water-cooling school and a school of art, where I was tower. At first, when you come across invited to teach immediately afterwards. it looks like an unbelievably heavy facility. I am a teacher by my first training. Over But then you find out that it rests on 2m the 21 years that I spent there I taught metal legs and has nothing inside. But it painting, drawing, design, graphic art – supports all this hulk of equipment and quite a variety of subjects. gear, holding various pipes, through which steam is fed and cooled, and condensed – Why then is you interest in into water, which then falls down to industry? a huge basin. – Having finished school, I joined the Aerospace Department of the Moscow and drawing industrial – Yes, a very illustrative example of Plate Krasniye Aviation Institute and an art college Barrikady pictures, which took me how what we think of things around us of the Paradny set, simultaneously. Ultimately, I settled for porcelain a bit off the teaching may not correspond to the real state of the art training with an emphasis made on path. But this aspect affairs. pedagogical skills, since I wanted to teach. is not abandoned by any means, for time – Exactly what happened to my However, I have always been and again it emerges at exhibitions, since imagination of Russia. The Internet is attracted by equipment. I am a designer I believe it is essential not only to show abundant with pictures of once powerful, by my second training. I also finished industry to people, who are fond of art, but already derelict plants. Seems that the Academy of Arts. Taught 10 years but tell our younger generation about everything is broken here, the whole place at the Balakirev Children School of Arts. professions, which are not much talked is coming apart. But as soon as you get

54 / USC №3 (39) 2019 Art object Astrakhan, steelmaking wooden die blocks, glass, graphic and illumination to an industrial facility, it starts dawning on you that everything is absolutely different. To give you an example, once I went to Gazprom’s installation in the Kapotnya area, Moscow, photo. Lack of emotions turns where a new oil refinery A book, telling the story you into a “dead” artist. If of the city, its history, is being erected. Though traditions, impact of you are not interested, why it is going to be the most industry on the development observers would be. And one of the region compact in Russia, the can feel it right away. It is not plant will replace its places always remain that even for me. catchy, simple as that. Of course, you can’t predecessor entirely. When you get there, Thus, on day one I ask to have a tour of do without professionalism, it has to be in everything is comfortable and convenient. the entire operation and then the next two- the hands. Practice is of the essence. It is far more ecological. Interestingly, but three days I paint from life. Time is luxury a nuclear power plant can go through in such matters, because I have to capture – Is it difficult to fall in love with almost the same transformation. While its the colors, feel them, prepare the right mix a ? old reactor is shut down and cooling, a new to carry on to the canvas a specific moment. – I feel all right about it, have no qualms one, based on different technologies and Give it 15 minutes and you face a different if you will. For example, when I came to processes, is already up and running. That frame – lighting conditions are different, Lotos, where I had a sheet of metal for is a huge step forward and several years colors are different, etc. In a sense I do a canvas, I cast my look at the machine, into the future another one will be made, more of sketching. It is essential for an artist cutting it as if it were paper, and it brought taking them even further. to capture a moment fast because it will up handicraft in my memory. I had a pattern, not last forever. You freeze it. I draw first, and this machine cut it similar to what – Do you find it interesting watching but then I also have to pick right colors, happened at garment manufacturing plants. it happen? otherwise I will have to commit them to my The only difference is that there pieces – It is fascinating! At the beginning I did memory and reproduce later. There are are stitched together, while here they are not work on the premises, but now I try to pictures, which take you years to finish, welded. make arrangements to paint right there at keeping this feeling of colors all this time... I can weld and actually do it when I make the shop. It is very important, for no media sculptures. But this cutting technology, it was can replace a real thing. – Painting industrial facilities, is it something new for me. I was introduced to more a trade or art? the specialist, operating the plant. explained – People go about their business – An artist needs to fall in love with him what I wanted. I thought vectors, at the shop and you work alongside, what he or she does. For example, if you which I mastered working in photo-editing something like that? want to draw an aluminum cup. You won’t apps, would do fine here. But I was told – Yes, but you have to go through be able to, unless you fall in love with it. that it would not work here, that a complex process making necessary You have to feel it first. Why is it important I needed a more complex drawing, arrangements. And then you will have three to find the right angle, lighting conditions, done in AutoCAD, a professional to four of the staff assigned to you at all capture feeling? Because without these computer-aided drafting system, times. It is more about my safety. Off-limit you will produce a photo, not even an art of which I knew nothing at all. >>

№3 (39) 2019 USC / 55 Tyumen Plywood Plant, oil on canvas APPROVED INTERVIEW WITH AN ARTIST

I approached my brother, who happened to Here, you do not just see you endeavor, cruise ship, RST27 tanker, and a wellhead be an engineer. He looked at my sketches but rather become part of a process. What platform still in production at the Astrakhan and shook his head, “Zina, it is impossible!” really matters is that you can see the Shipbuilding Production Association. But I did not give up. Having summoned my feedback of those, working with you... Then Recently, I finished another two brother for help, I managed to figure out how electricians stepped in. It took them two paintings dedicated to the launch of to work the app. I spent a whole day in front whole days to figure out the right illumination. the icebreaker Ural, but they will be unveiled of the computer, did not even wake up, and Needless to say, that we needed crane when I finish the set. I created my first AutoCAD image. operators as well for it was extremely heavy. It was not all. We were limited by Turned out that we constructed the piece – Where do the finished pieces the standard 1,600х6,000mm page. almost like a ship. Almost the entire plant was end up? But I wanted to go beyond it to get involved! – I let the museum have some of them an ultimate authentic image. Having and keep the others for myself as I want obtained revised specs, I prepared another – I saw wonderful porcelain services to set up a huge exhibition in Moscow. drawing. After getting my AutoCAD drawing, of the Imperial Porcelain Factory of Besides, I started getting invitations engineers started looking for ways to help St. Petersburg, decorated with your from plants. They want me as an artist. me. They got genuinely involved, everybody industrial scapes. Took me two years to carve a name here, came to my assistance. – Yes, it is the Paradny set, gain reputation. When it was finished and exposed manufactured for the exhibition in Astrakhan. Now it is easier, more interesting. to the light at the right angle, the picture Now it consists of 15 I get something new every time. I am also took shape. We were overwhelmed. After plates and I keep adding Elektrostal Tyumen fond of telling people about regions, strong Metallurgical Plant, lunch, workers passed the bent sheet, more pieces to it for the oil on canvas (left) points, industry making a comeback and looked at it, discussing what was it and how exhibition. Painted on Antipinsky Oil Refinery, developing at an astonishing pace, showing oil on canvas (right) it had been done. them are the PV300 Russia strong and modern.

56 / USC №3 (39) 2019 JANUARY 2020 ЯНВАРЬ FEBRUARY 2020 ФЕВРАЛЬ MARCH 2020 МАРТ APRIL 2020 АПРЕЛЬ

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SEPTEMBER 2020 СЕНТЯБРЬ OCTOBER 2020 ОКТЯБРЬ NOVEMBER 2020 НОЯБРЬ DECEMBER 2020 ДЕКАБРЬ

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Project 10521 nuclear-powered icebreaker 50 Let Pobedy (50 Years of Victory)

STRENGTH AND POWER AT SEA YEARS YEARS SINCE THE ESTABLISHMENT OF ADMIRALTY SHIPYARDS SINCE THE ESTABLISHMENT OF SEVMASH MAGAZINE OF THE UNITED SHIPBUILDING CORPORATION №3 (39) 2019

FEATURE ONE 60 YEARS CONQUERORS OF THE NUCLEAR ICEBREAKER OF ICE FLEET

The heart Colossus's Guiding of a naval power anniversary srta ADMIRALTY SHIPYARDS MARKS 80 YEARS OF THE GRAND 65TH ANNIVERSARY OF RUSSIA'S THE 315TH ANNIVERSARY PROJECT SEVMASH LEADING SHIPBUILDER p. 05 p. 10 p. 26