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Inspiration for a career in yacht building

Recruiting the next generation of yacht builders is a key focus at Heesen. By engaging with local schools and welcoming students to personally experience our cutting-edge facilities and innovative techniques, the shipyard aims to ignite a sense of curiosity and enthusiasm. This may ultimately inspire them to consider a future in the yachting industry.

For tech-savvy youngsters, entering Heesen’s shipyard in Oss is akin to stepping into Willy Wonka’s Chocolate Factory. Scholars express genuine amazement as they witness our yachts being constructed, observe the use of high-tech equipment, and witness highly skilled artisans diligently working to the highest standards to craft yachts of up to 80 metres. Following safety instructions, the scholars are grouped into three and guided through the facilities. They get to see yachts at various stages of completion, gaining insights into the diverse professions involved. At the tour’s conclusion, students are encouraged to showcase their woodworking skills by crafting a wooden yacht model to take home as a memento of an exhilarating day.

“We take immense pride in showcasing our workplace to the younger generation and sharing our passion for the yachting industry,” says Angela Donkers, not only a Business Partner at Heesen but also a part-time ‘tour guide’ during the scholars’ visits.

Behind the scenes Every year, Heesen actively participates in the Youth Companies Day in Oss. Over 100 regional companies collaborate with local secondary schools, extending invitations to scholars for an exclusive peek behind the scenes and an opportunity to explore real-world professions.

“These bright minds, most of them aged 15 with a technical profile, stand at a pivotal point in making significant decisions about their future education,” remarks Angela Donkers. “Visiting companies aligned with their interests, engaging in conversations with professionals about their roles, can profoundly impact their career choices later on. It’s not uncommon for candidates, during job interviews, to mention their visit to the shipyard during their youth. While we may not be situated near maritime academies for yacht building, I like to believe that exposing our workplace to the younger generation and sharing our passion for the yachting industry plays a crucial role in recruiting talented individuals as they grow older.”

Back to school With approximately 80 per cent of the shipyard’s workforce residing in the city of Oss, local recruitment holds paramount importance for Heesen. Donkers emphasizes, “We stand as one of the largest employers in the region, and Heesen is undeniably a well-known and respected company in Oss. However, not many people are acquainted with the diverse array of jobs and career opportunities available at our shipyard. It’s only when you step inside our offices and workshops that you grasp the sheer number of talented individuals required to construct a yacht. From carpenters to welders, engineers to mounting experts, few products demand such a diverse set of skills. Consequently, we actively participate in Open Days at schools and deliver interactive lectures at primary schools, engaging younger scholars in the world of yacht building. We challenge these youngsters to construct a yacht from clay, create mood boards, and conduct scientific floating experiments. It’s a lot of fun!”

Continuous learning Heesen serves as an excellent stepping stone for a career in yacht building in several ways. Angela Donkers explains, “Through our ‘BBL’ programme, we offer a diverse range of apprenticeships that allow students to acquire on-the-job skills while still in school. We view learning as an ongoing journey and encourage our team to maximize their skills and competencies. The Heesen Academy is our commitment to providing unique internal training programs across all levels and departments at Heesen. By continually investing in the exceptional craftsmanship at the shipyard and attracting new talent, we can uphold the renowned high quality that Heesen is known for. After all, young people are the hope for the future.”

Learn more? For more information on career opportunities at Heesen Yachts, please have a look at our contact page and feel free to contact us.

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HEESEN YACHTS FOR SALE

Heesen Yachts is an award-winning Dutch ship builder founded in 1978. Heesen has successfully launched over 170 yachts. Specializing in all-aluminum yachts, the yard is considered a leader in design, construction and engineering.

PROJECT TRITON

HEESEN YACHTS Project TRITON is a 50-meter, steel-hulled, displacement yacht that combines timeless elegance with the refinement and speed to travel the globe and explore new horizons. The 164-foot Heesen Yacht offers accommodation for 10 guests in 5 staterooms with 9 crew in 5 cabins. TRITON is available for sale offering the benefits of a custom yacht with the advantage of a short delivery time.  

Project TRITON blends practicality with luxurious detail. Her design has been optimized to deliver the largest possible volume while still remaining under the 500GT threshold. At 50 meters this is a true bluewater motor yacht. She features a displacement steel hull designed by Heesen’s in-house team of naval architects and engineers. Its cutting-edge design features a bulbous bow, which allows her to glide through the water with ease. Two MTU 8V4000 M63 engines provide a top speed of 15 knots. She boasts a range of 3,800 nautical miles at a cruising speed of 13 knots.

HEESEN PROJECT TRITON CURRENT BUILD STATUS

Heesen projects for sale under construction.

The following yachts offer all the benefits of a custom yacht, combined with the incredible advantage of a short delivery time. Allowing clients the option to acquire a yacht already under construction with many opportunities for customization dramatically decreases the delivery time. 

View all Heesens ever built, the Heesen Yacht Fleet here. 

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No matter what you want to experience from your yacht, there is a yacht that has been designed to accommodate your wishes. Our skilled Yacht Brokers are on hand to discuss any of the luxury yachts for sale listed below and can arrange a private viewing at your convenience.

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Heesen is delighted to announce that on November 19, 2021, YN 19480, Project Cosmos was launched at the shipyard in Oss.

At 80metres, with a gross tonnage of 1,700GTand a top speed of almost 30 knots, she is the biggest and fastest all-aluminium yacht ever built. The challenges involved in creating such a large and complex yacht are extreme, but made a perfect fit with Heesen’s history and expertise. Precision aluminium construction, high performance and the finest Dutch craftsmanship are steeped into the DNA of this shipyard. Cosmos is the ultimate expression of Heesen’s ability to build daring projects that stretch the imagination of its engineers and craftspeople. 

Thanks to the dedication of the Heesen teams and the shipyard’s loyal subcontractors, who all worked tirelesslythrough the pandemic, the yacht was launched on schedule in perfect Dutch style. 

What makes Project Cosmos so impressive is itsimmense sizecombined with aremarkable top speed of almost 30 knots. This is achieved thanks to the lightweight and low-drag hull design, honed to perfection by Heesen’s naval architectson an iteration of the Fast Displacement Hull Form devised by van Oossanen, and assembled, millimetre-perfect, by Heesen’s welders. Ensuring sufficient longitudinal strength was one of the biggest technological challenges facing Heesen’s engineering team, who designed and patented the Backbone – an intricate, full-length structural reinforcement system. Power comes from traditional,if highly refined, diesel propulsion -four engines, two gearboxes, variable-pitch propellers and ultra-innovative Promas rudders. 

“Today, we are celebrating the launch of a unique yacht,” said Heesen CEO Arthur Brouwer. “Unique not only for our shipyard, as she is the largest we have ever taken on and represents the pinnacle of our achievements to date. Cosmos is also unique in the industry – the largest and fastest aluminium yacht in her class ever built.” Cosmos’selegant exterior comes from the renowned British studio of Winch Design. Clean lines, a sporty silhouette and the extensive use of glass create a timeless, dynamic profile, which will look as good in twenty years as it does today at launch.  “The Winch vision for Cosmos was to retain Heesen’s sporty DNA but blend it with an innovative, futuristic spin. Curved glass forms smooth, sculpted shapes, creating a feeling of slick, contemporary charm,” said Jim Dixon, Director of Yachts and Aviation at the British design house. “The brief stressed that she had to have a strong and unique signature whilst retaining the Heesen DNA that we all know and love. The emphasis was on creating a fast looking yacht that sits elegantly on the water, a feat that has been cleverly achieved through the use of sculptural, curved forms and perfectly balanced proportions.” – James Russell, Associate, Yacht Exteriors

Sinot Yacht Design and Architecture was responsible for the light and soothing interior design that makes guests feel at home from the moment they step aboard. While the overall palette is neutral, splashes of a range of blue hues are infused into the design throughout. The piece de résistance is undoubtedly the beach club, with its side and stern platforms. The backlit onyx bar with centrally positioned seating is the focal point of this ample and airy space close to the water.With the size, weight and performance of Project Cosmos so intimately connected, Sinot collaborated closely with Heesen’s in-house engineers to ensure that their stringent weight calculations were always met.

Followingher launch, Project Cosmos will remain at Heesen for commissioning before undergoing intense sea trials in the North Sea commencing in February. She will be delivered to her owners in April 2022. 

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Heesen Yachts Announces Sale of 50m Project Jade

• By Brinley Hineman
• March 1, 2024

Heesen Yachts has announced the sale of YN 20350, the 50m fast cruiser Project Jade .

Project Jade was lauded by Netherlands-based Heesen as building on “Heesen’s legacy of fast, hard-chine aluminum yachts.” The yacht was listed for about $44.9 million and is the third Heesen vessel sold by SuperYachtsMonaco in the past decade. 

“We are overjoyed to congratulate the client on entrusting our shipyard with building his new yacht. This sale not only showcases the exceptional quality of Heesen yachts but also confirms our strong relationship with the brokerage network,” said Chief Commercial Officer Mark Cavendish in a news release. 

The all-aluminum superyacht, which comes in at 499 GT, can accommodate 12 guests in five staterooms, including an owner’s suite on the main deck forward. The guest cabins — two doubles and two twins — are on the lower deck. The yacht can host nine crew members. 

The yacht’s interior was designed by Cristiano Gatto and the exterior was designed by Frank Laupman of Omega Architects. 

Project Jade has large outdoor spaces, including a sundeck with a whirlpool, a terrace and beach club. The yacht is outfitted with mirrors and tempered glass inspired by the sky and splashes of green to evoke its namesake, Jade. 

The yacht can reach up to 23 knots and is IMO III compliant. The hull was “meticulously designed and engineered by Heesen’s in-house naval architects” to provide a comfortable experience for guests. 

Project Jade will be delivered to its owners in Q2, Heesen said. 

“Our client is extremely happy with his purchase of such a fantastic yacht and looks forward to his first cruise,” said SuperYachtsMonaco founder Jim Evans.

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Heesen Yachts

The leader in fast and fuel-efficient superyachts.

Heesen yachts is a luxury yacht builder of custom and semi-custom superyachts in aluminium and steel, from 30 – 70m in length. Based in Oss, The Netherlands, the shipyard is dedicated to pioneering new designs and build processes, and is perhaps best known for its steel-hulled displacement motor yachts, which were developed to meet Clients’ demands for fuel-efficient, yet fast motor yachts.

Standout Yachts

Speed and sophistication. Jems boasts top speeds of up to 25 knots and a 24/7 charter experience. Think seabobs and jet skis outside; gym and media room within.

Unique. Private. Exhilarating. 49.9m Air is like an exclusive beach resort. Think fine dining, luxurious suites and water slides in one perfect package.

State of the art design & cutting-edge technology. 51m custom semi-displacement yacht Irisha offers top speeds of 26 knots with exteriors by Harrison Eidsgaard.

Style meets innovation. 50m Home couples hybrid propulsion to a fast displacement hull. Her outstanding rectangular floor-to-ceiling windows are the first thing you notice.

Form and function combined. If it isn’t the smooth cruising thanks to the anti-wave technology of My Secret’s bow that tempts you, the California-inspired interiors by Bannenberg and Rowell will.

Quinta Essentia

A hybrid superyacht. 55m Quinta Essentia uses the latest advanced propulsion technology to enable a reduced environmental impact, quieter cruising and efficient navigation.

Finesse and sophistication inside and out. With almost 185 square metres of exterior decks, 47m Book Ends features a spa pool forward surrounded by sunpads, loose lounging chairs and bar.

Why Choose Heesen

Charter yachts built by heesen.

The Semi-Custom Superyacht Model

Heesen was founded in 1978 in the town of Oss, the Netherlands by Frans Heesen. Having had a background in the hi-tech plastics industry before moving into yachting, he was able to combine his knowledge with the talented maritime craftsmen and artisans in this area, and it was this that led to the use of aluminium in superyacht hull design. 

Breakthrough Fast Displacement Yachts

In 1992 the superyacht builder expanded the business to include the construction of traditional displacement yachts, and in 2003, Heesen Yachts was the first luxury superyacht builder to introduce the semi-custom superyacht model, with their breakthrough "fast displacement" superyachts.

Superyacht Shipyards

Beautifully engineered. Blohm+Voss is a German shipyard specialising in the repairs and refits of iconic maritime giants. It is part of the family owned Larsen group since 2016.

Italian excellence since 1873. One of the most well-known and oldest yacht builders in the world, Benetti produces both fully custom and semi-custom superyachts ranging from 30m to over 100m in length.

Alloy Yachts

Seaworthiness. Engineering excellence. Craftsmanship. Based in New Zealand, Alloy Yachts is renowned for their excellent engineering and craftmanship as well as their yachts’ seaworthiness.

Royal Dutch Shipyards. Feadship is one of the world’s most well-known shipyards, and has an outstanding reputation for producing custom yachts of the very highest quality.

Abeking & Rasmussen

Experience the unexpected. Abeking and Rasmussen are a world-leading, family-owned superyacht builder, based in Lemwerder, near Bremen in Germany with a reputation for pioneering new technologies.

Yachts for yachtsmen. Oceanco builds luxury yachts from 80 to 140 metres in steel and aluminum. Oceanco is based in the town of Alblasserdam in the Netherlands.

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Best Heesen Yachts for Sale

Specializing in custom superyachts built in aluminum and steel from 100-feet (30m) up to 230-feet (70m), the Heesen brand was founded in 1978 in Oss, Holland. Although these days they are perhaps best known for their displacement motor yachts, Heesen has always been dedicated to pushing the boundaries in design and build. The yard’s founder, Frans Heesen, began his career in the hi-tech plastics industry before moving into yachting. His knowledge, combined with the talented maritime craftsmen and artisans from Holland, led to the use of aluminum in superyacht builds. Today Heesen is leading the way in their efforts to meet owner’s demands for fast but still fuel-efficient large motor yachts by delivering award-winning vessels that combine speed and style.

Brave at Heart

It was Heesen’s pioneering spirit that made Heesen Yachts the only shipyard in the world brave enough to take on John Staluppi’s Octopussy project. This 1985 challenge from the client to any shipyard was to build a large yacht that would travel at more than 50-knots, a speed which at the time was nearly double what any yacht had previously been capable of. Several shipyards declined the challenge, but Frans Heesen decided to take a gamble that his engineering ingenuity would overcome the technical challenges, and the rest is history. The resulting 124-foot (38m) Octopussy was delivered to her owner in 1988, breaking the 50-knot barrier and becoming the fastest luxury yacht in the world. The yard went on to deliver many firsts over the next few decades, including the world’s largest sportfish in 1996 (M/Y OBSESSION), their first steel displacement yacht in 1992, the world’s first Fast Displacement Yacht in 2013 (M/Y GALACTICA STAR), and the first yacht in the world to harness kinetic energy with Hull Vane in 2014 (M/Y ALIVE).

The 2013 built 213-foot (65m) GALACTICA STAR was the first incarnation of Heesen Yachts Fast Displacement Hull Form, developed for Heesen by Dutch naval architects Van Oosanen. Combining a 20-knot cruising speed with a range of 4,200 nautical miles, and a top speed of over 28 knots, Galactica Star is over 30 percent more efficient than a traditional superyacht of the same size. This is due to her efficient hull design. She boasts a 65-foot (19.8m) sundeck, a duplex beach club that occupies 25 percent of the main and lower decks and a touch-and-go helipad on the foredeck.

Following in the footsteps of GALACTICA STAR, the 230-foot (70m) GALACTICA STAR NOVA, delivered in 2016, took the Fast Displacement Hull Form a small step further. With an extra engine on board, she is capable of up to 30 knots. Like GALACTICA STAR, GALACTICA SUPER NOVAIS is not a semi-displacement yacht, and also runs as a displacement hull, whereby the bow pushes the water to either side rather than lifting and planing on top of the water after a certain speed. The main difference being that her hull shape and its entry through the water allows higher speeds with the application of more power. Therefore at 12 knots she still has a range of 4,000 nautical miles, which is comparable with a normal full-displacement yacht. But can still do 30 knots in full throttle. With over 1,000 square feet of deck space, including a vast sun deck and beach club, she is the equal of any conventional full displacement yacht, but with the advantage of long-range cruising capabilities and the ability to go faster than just about any other 230-foot (70.1m) superyacht afloat.

Dedicated to pushing the boundaries in design and build

Forward Thinking

Never keen to rest on their laurels in continuing their pursuit of constant evolution and innovation, the yard has delivered several other ground-breaking designs in recent years, including the 164-foot (50m) full displacement hull form HOME. The first fast displacement all-aluminum build and boasts a reduced environmental impact, thanks in part to her hybrid propulsion system. Previous hybrid yachts have used a diesel electric power base, with expensive lithium-ion batteries for storing excess power produced by the yacht’s diesel generators. But rather than being either all conventional diesel-mechanical or all diesel electric with batteries, HOME offers both. Two shaft-driven electric motors powered by her efficient generators will allow her to efficiently power through the waves at up to 9-knots without using her main engines. Consuming around 26 US gallons of fuel per hour at cruising speeds and just 18-knots at economical speeds, she is as a result, the most fuel-efficient vessel in her class. With main engines running however and more speed required, the electric motors can also be used to provide free electricity to the yacht. Working altogether with everything on full, they can provide a speed of up to 16 knots. Her modern profile boasts a vertical stern that looks radical on the water, while the design throughout is inspired by open-air beach villas. Panoramic glass walls offer unblemished views, while the interior is light and airy, designed to bring the outdoors in.

The state-of-the-art Heesen shipyard spans over 4.4 hectares with nine sheds and five dry docks. Here the team of world-class craftsmen, engineers and designers create the current fleet of Heesen yachts including displacement, semi-displacement and the revolutionary fast displacement hull form. They also offer a complete care service for Heesen’s fleet of yachts throughout their lifetime, with a crew training academy for engineers and deckhands, and a refit service.

“For anyone considering commissioning a superyacht, Dutch shipyard Heesen Yachts should definitely be a port of call,” says Northrop & Johnson sales broker Ed Dickinson.

For further information on Heesen yachts for sale, yacht building , or charter a Heesen yacht , contact your Northrop & Johnson broker.

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Three 35m+ superyachts undergoing refits at KRM Yacht

Turkish refit and rebuild facility KRM Yacht has announced three new refit projects within 35 days. Heesen 's 44-metre Mordan (ex Lady Lara ) and repeat client Lioness (ex Ceydam ) are currently undergoing works in its Tuzla facility. The 49.9-metre hybrid Wider yacht Stern is being refitted at a separate shipyard by the KRM team.

In a statement, the shipyard highlighted the importance of "prolong[ing] the lifespan of these majestic vessels" as part of its wider mission to support sustainable superyachting.

Built by VBG Superyachts in Turkey, Lioness ' six-month refit will include the installation of a new sunbathing area at the bow, "modernised" interiors and the upgrading of all electrical infrastructure. The 39.8-metre will also receive wood repair, paint touch-ups and an upgrade of her ZeroSpeed stabilisers. 

Mordan will be at the shipyard for three months. Works include valve and pump maintenance, shaft, propeller and rudder works alongside her five-year survey. Her design is the work of Omega Architects and Heesen's in house team, with accommodation for 12 guests across five cabins.

Stern' s refit encompasses her five year survey, local teak decking, a refreshed exterior paint and the upgrading of her piping and electrics. She will be at KRM Yacht for four months.

"These projects illuminate the inherent eco-friendliness of rebuilds compared to new constructions, by optimising existing resources and reducing waste, which greatly diminishes our environmental impact," said Kerem Başer, managing director at KRM Yacht. "This philosophy is the cornerstone of KRM Yacht's mission. and it is one of the reasons why rebuild is better than new build."

The shipyard last shared details on the rebuild of the 1980s yacht Costa Magna , whose work is expected to conclude this summer.

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FEATURE | Russia’s shipbuilding industry: steady growth over three decades

During the heyday of the former Soviet Union, shipyards were scattered all over the various socialist republics. After the collapse of the Soviet Union, Russia lost access to many shipbuilding and ship repair enterprises, and later in the 90s the country lost many competencies in the field of shipbuilding. At present, though, we can say that Russian shipbuilding is entering a revival. Thanks to government support measures, the construction of ships of various classes and uses is in full swing, with high hopes set on the Primorsky Territory-based Zvezda Shipbuilding Complex.

There remain significant challenges, however. Among these are the need to increase local content in the manufacture of marine component equipment, personnel training, and modernisation of local shipyards.

Fleet construction: current situation and prospects

In recent years, the Russian authorities have been taking measures aimed at upgrading the country’s commercial fleet and developing the local shipbuilding sector. The results of this economic policy are already evident: local shipyards are being provided with newbuilding orders, which, albeit with some delay, are being completed.

There are 232 vessels currently being built to the Russian Maritime Register of Shipping (RS) class, both in Russia and abroad, with options for an additional 122 ships. Overall, in 2020, Russian shipyards have delivered 116 newbuilds, with 74 being designed for inland shipping including 42 vessels built to RS class. Another 260 vessels are now under construction (192 inland vessels and 68 sea-going ships).

Despite the completion in 2020 of a number of large newbuilding projects that provided the bulk of the shipyards’ operating revenue, most of the fulfilled projects had low contract values. The construction of such vessels as barges (11 units), pontoon piers (10 units), pontoons, and floating bridges (five units) does not significantly contribution to civil shipbuilding revenues, it nonetheless eventually help support the economic and social development of entire regions within the Russian Federation.

Export deliveries by the Russian shipbuilding sector as of year-end 2020 totaled US$734.2 million, or an increase of 40.7 per cent compared to 2019. This is remarkable considering the increase in deliveries occurred despite the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic. Russian-built ships and floating assets exported in 2020 were primarily to markets in the EU, which account for 53.5 per cent (US$392 million in export volumes with US$188 million comprising deliveries to customers in Norway and US$91 million to Germany). In addition, a large volume was exported to the Republic of Korea (US$126 million). The Vice-President of the Russian Export Centre (part of VEB.RF Group) said that the total volume of ship and watercraft exports supported by the REC in 2020 reached US$2.6 million.

The completion of Arktika , the world’s largest and most powerful nuclear-powered icebreaker, and Viktor Chernomyrdin, the world’s most powerful diesel-electric icebreaker, were among the most outstanding achievements of Russian shipbuilding in 2020. For the first time in thirty years, a Russian shipyard has delivered a large capacity trawler, the 86-metre Barentsevo More , and the first ECO series tanker, the 280-tonne Georgy Moskalev , which is designed for operation in the country’s inland waterways. Also, Zvezda Shipbuilding Complex made its debut in the Far East shipping trade with the delivery of the country’s first Aframax tanker, Vladimir Monomakh , thus demonstrating that Russian shipbuilding enterprises are capable of handling large-tonnage commercial projects that involve assembly of large pre-fabricated sections. Last year, Mustai Karim , the first cruise ship built in Russia during the modern era, set out on her maiden voyage.

Russian shipyards are continuing to build nuclear-powered icebreakers that are unrivaled throughout the world and are among the most highly sophisticated vessels with locally manufactured components. For example, the new Russian-made nuclear reactor RITM-200 was installed on the icebreaker Arktika . In general, the level of domestically manufactured marine components applied in icebreakers of the LK-60 series reaches nearly 92 per cent. There are presently four more LK-60 icebreakers under construction. In the future it is planned to expand the series by two additional ships. Also, the icebreaking fleet in general will also be expanded through the introduction of four medium-powered vessels that will operate on LNG.

However, the most ambitious and significant project is the construction of an even more powerful nuclear icebreaker, named Rossiya . The icebreaker will feature an unprecedented 120 MW of installed power and will be able to sail through ice of virtually any thickness on Arctic shipping routes, including the high-latitude ones. Without a doubt, the icebreaker will become a symbol of pride of the Russian shipbuilding industry. The vessel will be designed to ensure smooth year-round navigation of the country’s commercial fleet along the Northern Sea Route. The project will become the basis for a new generation of Russian icebreakers.

In June 2020, Zvezda held a steel-cutting ceremony for this icebreaker. Currently, the shipyard is manufacturing the huge hull sections that will comprise this future vessel, which is scheduled to be completed in 2027.

A large segment of the Russian shipbuilding industry is involved in the construction of fishing vessels. Thanks to the first stage of the state programme of providing investment quotas for catching biological resources in exchange for the construction of a new fleet at Russian shipyards, newbuilding contracts were signed for the construction of 55 fishing and 41 crab catching vessels. The government is currently considering the possibility of implementing the second phase of providing investment quotas per keel, which will be aimed at continuing the renewal of the fleet of the Far Eastern Basin.

At least 30 fishing vessels will be built within the second phase framework, and this number will include 15 large-tonnage vessels as well as commercial transport vessels. This will help modernise the Far East Basin’s fishing fleet by 65 to 70 per cent. Although the vessels of the Russian fishing fleet are built to designs developed by foreign naval architecture and marine engineering firms, these projects have to be redesigned to comply to specific RS class requirements. At the same time, work is ongoing to improve safety measures on the entire fishing fleet.

Rosmorrechflot continues to commission the construction of complex multi-functional salvage and search and rescue (SAR) vessels. In 2020, Nevsky Shipyard handed over the 80-metre Beysug , a shallow-draught multi-purpose salvage vessel with a total installed power of 5.2 MW and Arc 5 class notation. The Project MPSV12 vessel was designed by Marine Engineering Bureau (MEB).

The country’s shipping sector also has to deal with the renewal of the inland shipping fleet as well as the fleet of mixed river-sea vessels. In this segment, shipowners are also provided with various measures of state support. Dry cargo vessels (17 units delivered), barges, and specialised support vessels remain the drivers of the Russian shipbuilding industry in terms of the number of ships delivered in 2020. In particular, in 2020, Krasnoye Sormovo Shipyard, through contacts with State Transport Leasing Company (STLC), handed over ten dry cargo vessels under the MEB-designed Project RSD59 to various customers. By the beginning of 2021, the shipyard had built and delivered 22 dry cargo vessels under the same series. Krasnoye Sormovo is the leader among domestic shipbuilders in terms of the number of completed Project RSD59 vessels.

In addition, Okskaya Shipyard completed and delivered seven Project RSD59 vessels in 2020. Another 15 sister ships are still under construction.

Nevsky Shipyard (part of United Shipbuilding Corporation) is meanwhile completing the construction of its third Project RSD59 ship, Pola Gali . The shipyard’s current orderbook includes five Project RSD59 vessels. Two have already been delivered and are now sailing operationally.

The last year was also a noteworthy one for passenger vessel newbuildings. Vodohod, a local river cruise company, took delivery of the Project PV300 vessel Mustai Karim , proving that such vessels can also be built in Russia. The four-deck ship can accommodate up to 300 passengers and can be compared to a floating five-star hotel. In August 2020, the ship set out on her maiden voyage.

Another story of Russian shipbuilding success is the completion of the Project PV22 Ice Arc 4 class Ro-Pax ferry Admiral Nevelskoy at Nevsky Shipyard. The ship will sail on the ferry route between Sakhalin and the Kuriles. Admiral Nevelskoy was laid down in March 2019 and was completed on budget and on time. The keel for the second Project PV22, Pavel Leonov , was laid in April that same year.

Russia has also been developing high-speed hydrofoil passenger vessels in the years since the collapse of the Soviet Union. Currently, there are two marine engineering firms developing river and marine vessels in this segment: Alexeev’s Hydrofoil Design Bureau and Zelenodolsk-headquartered Sea Tech. The serial hydrofoil class vessels are being built at shipyards in Chkalovsk (Valdai-45R, Meteor-120R) and Rybinsk (Vympel, Kometa-120M). The Zelenodolsk firm plans to develop a new series of hydrofoil vessels under the Project Meteor-2020 class while the manufacturing of Olympia-class hydrofoils will be transferred to Khabarovsk Shipyard (KSZ). Overall, eleven Project Valdai-45R vessels have been built to date.

A launching ceremony for the first in a series of four Project Meteor-120R ships was held on August 3, 2021. The vessels were ordered by leasing company Mashpromlizing. United Shipbuilding Corporation (USC) decided to invest RUB6.4 billion (US$89 million) earned at the end of 2020 for the preferential leasing of passenger ships. The list of projects also includes hydrofoil vessels, namely, a pair of Valdai-45R vessels ordered for Yakutia and four vessels of the Meteor-120R design.

Currently, the portfolio of orders of STLC includes six high-speed ships: two Kometa vessels and four Valdai vessels. Subject to state support, STLC is ready to invest more than RUB300 billion (US$4.17 billion) in the construction of more than 300 civil vessels for various purposes. The list includes more than 180 passenger ships, including high-speed vessels.

In addition, Russia has launched the construction of small rigid inflatable boats (RIBs) as SAR support craft and fast crewboats. The Russian market has also witnessed the revival of personal recreational yachts and houseboats. The segment after 2008 has narrowed to almost zero.

Ships of the specialised technical fleet are in great demand and it is project that between 2025 and 2030, Russia will need more than 800 such vessels. These will include 62 dredgers with a capacities of 250 to 700 cbm/hour, 150 hopper barges and AHTS vessels, 164 buoy tenders, 102 deck cargo barges, 81 pushers tugs, 55 floating cranes, 53 survey boats, 34 waste collection ships, 33 bunker barges, 30 quardships, 28 crewboats, 12 floating docks, eight dive support boats, and five bulk oil barges. Rosmorrechflot confirmed that the average age of vessels of the technical fleet nears 38.6 years: vessels under 30 years old make up 19 per cent of the total number while those up to 40 years make up 36.8 per cent, those up to 50 years old comprise 28.8 per cent, and those exceeding 50 years are at 15 per cent of the total.

When speaking about the construction of specialised ships, the construction of four dredgers at Astrakhan region-based Lotos Shipyard is worth mentioning. Rosmorrechflot planned to extend this series of dredgers to 20 vessels to gradually renew the aging fleet operating in its various basin administrations.

Despite the challenges posed by 2020, the year has really become outstanding in terms of the commissioning of unique vessels in Russia.

Construction and modernisation of shipyards

The industry has pinned great hopes on Zvezda Shipbuilding Complex. The state-of-the-art shipyard is capable of building large-tonnage vessels that could not have been built in Russia earlier due to lack of required capacity. Last year, Zvezda delivered Vladimir Monomakh , the first Russian-built Aframax oil tanker, to local owner Rosnefteflot. In January 2021, the 250-metre, 114,000DWT ice class 1A tanker embarked on its maiden voyage. To date, the shipbuilder’s backlog of newbuilding orders includes 12 Aframax tankers, 10 of which were ordered by Rosnefteflot.

Zvezda’s current orderbook includes over 50 vessels. These include ships with a displacement of up to 350,000 tonnes, offshore drilling rigs, nuclear-powered icebreakers, ice-class vessels, large-tonnage vessels including LNG and LPG carriers, specialised vessels, and other types of vessels that were not previously manufactured in Russia due to a lack of launching and hydraulics facilities.

Neighbouring shipyards have been trying to keep up with Zvezda. In January 2020, Amursky Shipyard, one of the largest shipbuilding enterprises in the Far East region, handed over a new semi-submersible drilling rig to Gazprom, the Project 22420 vessel Ostap Sheremeta . The vessel was laid down on February 16, 2011 and rolled out of the assembly hall on June 11, 2014.

The shipyard’s near-term plans include the signing of contracts for the construction of 10 tankers for Vostok Oil in October 2021. These ships will be Arctic shuttle tankers and will each have Arc7 ice class notation and a deadweight of 120,000 tonnes. In general, the specific feature of Russian marine shipbuilding is that almost all ships are built to ice class.

In Russia, there are currently several investment projects focused on the construction of new shipbuilding facilities as well as retrofitting and upgrading of existing ones. The expansion of the facilities at Zvezda Shipbuilding Complex continues, as do the modernisation of Severnaya Verf Shipyard, the creation of a state-of-the-art shipbuilding and ship repair facility in the village of Zhatay in Yakutia, the establishment f a modern “smart shipyard” at Onego Shipyard, and the rehabilitation of Zvezda’s existing Far East plant. Within its Strategy for the Development of the Shipbuilding Industry-2035, the Russian government has implemented several measures of state support for the transition to domestic software. This will allow the creation of conditions for the introduction of domestically developed CAD technology into the shipbuilding industry at a level of at least 75 per cent, engineering calculation systems at not less than 50 per cent, and product data management systems by 2024.

Lastly, it is worth noting that the shipyards specialising in the repair of sea-going and mixed class vessels are now in a difficult situation in Russia, though they are able to maintain their financial and economic stability mainly through maintenance and drydocking of state-owned ships such as those operated by the Ministry of Defence. Operators of commercial sea-going and mixed class fleets prefer placing repair orders with foreign dockyards due to lower costs and, more importantly, faster turnarounds. The Russian ship repair sector still has to overcome some rather tall hurdles finances-wise as a result of existing customs and tax regulations.

Article contributed by IAA PortNews especially for BairdMaritime.com

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