German G.Serebrennikov (General Director) A History of Naval Expertise Zelenodolsk Shipyard

The year l995 marks the 100th anniversary of the Zelenodolsk Shipyard. Founded at the end of the last century on the great Volga river, the shipyard has evolved from a staterun ship repair facility into a huge diversified modern enterprise.

Over its century-long period of operations, the shipyard's production capacities have been tremendously enhanced: new machine shops and casting yards (steel, titanium and copper) have been added, and a unique shipbuilding slipway has been put in place. Today, the shipyard is a high-tech shipbuilding facility with the capabilities to manufacture frigates, corvettes, commercial river-marine vessels displacing up to 5,000t, river hydrofoils and hovercraft, and manufacture of a broad assortment of shipborne equipment (propellers, shaft lines, hydraulic capstans, winches, and other products).
Over the years the shipyard has built dozens of ships for the naval forces and fishing fleet: refrigerator ships and fishing vessels outfitted to produce fish flour, ASW platforms and frigates.
This effort continues with programmes for the construction of METEOR-type passenger hydrofoils that are know throughout the world. Built under the designation 0-type in the Russian Register of River Shipping, the METEOR hydrofoil can seat 116 passengers and develop a speed of 65km/h. The passenger areas are fitted with comfortable furnishings. A cabin with four bunks is provided for the crew. Also available is a snack-bar with two storerooms, restrooms, utility rooms and logistical facilities. The proven record of service, both in Russia and in the international market, have provided METEOR with a reputation to be cherished.

In 1993, Zeienodolsk Shipyard introduced the LINDA hydroplane craft for small-river shipping. Featuring the "air-pocket" design, the ship has a draught of 0.95m and can develop a speed of 55km/h. It can reach areas previously closed to shipping. The bow landing ramp reduces dependency on platform jetties or landing stages. The LINDA can seat 70 passengers.
One of the most promising lines of business pursued by Zeienodolsk, as part of the conversion drive launched in 1993, has been the project to build a river-tanker displacing 4,000t based on an order placed by Tatarstan's Government.
Concurrently with the tanker project, the shipyard has plans to assemble the Project 16510 (NIZHEGORODETS) dry cargo river-vessel displacing 2,500/3,000t.
Other conversion efforts in the shipyard's operations include the manufacture of AN65x21 pressure fittings designed to seal oil well heads with an operating pressure rated at 210atm.
An impressive share of the company's output is also directed to casting of TL-3 and TL-5 titanium alloys for products to be used in particularly harsh environments and in building advanced weapon systems and military equipment. This light and extremely wear-resistant metal is known for its anti-corrosive and non-magnetic characteristics. Given its unique industrial base, the Zeienodolsk Shipyard is in a position to turn out up to 800t of titanium moldings annually, with the products ranging from 100g to 1.5t in weight.
The facility also produces a broad range of consumer goods: soft furniture, kitchen furniture, desks, benches, axes, amongst others.
Zeienodolsk Shipyard is now fully equipped to build a marine passenger hydrofoil.
Ships assembled at our facility can be delivered to the Black Sea or Baltic Sea, with the accompanying service support provided as an option.
Our unique slipway allows for assembly of commercial vessels and warships displacing up to 5.000t. Launchings are carried out in the docking basin.
Assembly and completion operations are undertaken to an extremely high standard based on our qualified work force. Modern, fully equipped assembly, hull-treatment, tubing, mounting and other shops are all situated within our facility.
As Zeienodolsk Shipyard develop its strategy for future business the focus will be on breaking into and establishing new markets for export. To underscore this point the company is actively pursuing and supporting business activities in the international market. In 1992, Zelenodolsk Shipyard established a department for marketing and external economic ties. The task of this newly established unit was to integrate data and communications skills to provide detailed market research on prospective markets both in country and through export opportunities.
Zeienodolsk Shipyard are now actively pursuing potential business ventures and cooperation programmes that offer a mutual advantage.