Construction of a Marine and Industrial Engine Plant Was Launched in SEZ Lotus

JSC KIT Shipbuilding Lotos has begun the construction of a high-tech plant on the territory of Special Economic Zone Lotus. The official groundbreaking ceremony was held with the participation of Nikolai Patrushev, Aide to the President of the Russian Federation and Chairman of the Maritime Board, Igor Levitin, Advisor to the President of the Russian Federation, and Igor Babushkin, the Governor of the Astrakhan Region.

The new plant will manufacture medium-speed engines with a capacity ranging from 400 kW to 4.5 MW for river and sea transport. The planned production volume is up to 100 power units per year.

“Russia is currently facing large-scale objectives to increase the pace of building a modern domestic fleet, which is essential for ensuring cargo transportation within the country via inland waterways, the extraction of bioresources, and the development of the maritime and river markets,” noted Nikolai Patrushev.

He emphasized that the new plant in the Astrakhan SEZ will produce engines for river and sea vessels, including ice-class ships, which will help meet part of the demand of Russian shipowners.

The new enterprise will be equipped with robotic production lines to ensure maximum automation of processes. A specialist training center will also be established at the plant.

“We expect this event to mark the beginning of a major journey that will open up new opportunities for our region, create jobs, and strengthen the industrial potential of Russia’s shipbuilding industry in the Caspian Sea,” emphasized Igor Babushkin.

The company plans to cover 80% of domestic shipbuilding demand for engines, replacing imported counterparts.

“The power units produced by the Baltic Energomash plant will be able to compete with the world’s best counterparts in terms of reliability and efficiency, significantly reduce the dependence of Russian shipbuilders on imports, and ensure the technological independence of the Russian fleet,” said Vasily Semenov, General Director of JSC KIT Shipbuilding Lotos.

He also noted the high level of professionalism of the regional team and the Management Company of SEZ Lotus and expressed hope for the implementation of further projects in the Astrakhan Region.
It should be noted that JSC KIT Shipbuilding Lotos has become the 14th tenant of Special Economic Zone Lotus in the Narimanovsky District and plans to invest approximately 2.5 billion rubles in the project, creating 150 jobs at the initial stage.