Krasnoye Sormovo set for USD 96 million upgrade as Russia backs domestic shipbuilding
The shipyard, which built T-34 tanks during WW2, is in dire need of an upgrade (Source: Wikipedia)
Russian shipbuilder Krasnoye Sormovo, part of the sanctioned United Shipbuilding Corporation (USC), is embarking on a major modernisation drive, with a RUB 7.5 billion (USD 96 million) investment package approved for upgrades to the Nizhny Novgorod yard.
The focus this year includes infrastructure repairs, improved working conditions, and procurement of new equipment, including laser cutting systems and automated welding lines.
The revamp is part of a wider push to strengthen Russia’s domestic shipbuilding capacity amid growing demand for new vessels and continuing international sanctions. Founded in 1849, Krasnoye Sormovo is one of the country’s oldest yards and has recently re-emerged as a key industrial asset.
The yard is also linked to future orders, including a planned series of 18 product tankers (7,900 dwt) designed for Rosnefteflot. Construction of the first three hulls is expected to start at Lotos Shipyard later this year.
In parallel, Krasnoye is building 34 RSD59-type river-sea cargo vessels under a major contract signed in 2023 with State Transport Leasing Co. The yard returned to profitability in Q1 2024.
