Alexander Tsybulsky, the head of the Arkhangelsk Region, called the development an important step for the development of logistics, especially in hard-to-reach island territories.
ARKHANGELSK, July 8. /tass/. The tests of the marine drone took place in Arkhangelsk, Alexander Tsybulsky, the head of the Arkhangelsk Region, wrote on his Telegram channel . In the near future, the unmanned vehicle will make its first crossing to Solovki.
The Arkhangelsk Region will be the first northern region to introduce the experience of using marine drones. The unmanned marine logistics project is being implemented within the framework of an agreement signed between the government of the Arkhangelsk Region, Si Project and Unmanned Logistics companies on the sidelines of the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum 2025.
"We will be the first to launch unmanned swimming vehicles to serve the residents. Today, the Breeze marine UAV, developed by Si Project, was tested. In the coming days, he will go to Solovki with an experimental transition," the governor said.
He noted that this is an important step for the development of logistics, especially in hard-to-reach island territories. You can control the drone in both automatic and manual mode. "Our goal is to make such vessels a part of the logistics system of the region within two years. To do this, we are actively working on the creation of a regulatory framework and an assessment of economic feasibility. A specially created interdepartmental working group is considering all organizational issues," Tsybulsky added.
The technical characteristics of the unmanned boat make it possible to transport up to 500 kg of cargo over considerable distances. "The crew-less boat Briz is a small vessel with a diesel engine from the Yaroslavl plant, equipped with a large number of radio-electronic communication systems of domestic production, which allows it to be operated in different modes. It is equipped with an automatic identification system, as well as a manual and automatic control system," Dmitry Bogdanov, CEO of Si Project, said in a statement.
During the experimental transition to Solovki, the marine drone will be monitored from two posts.: on the accompanying vessel "Shershnev" and at the company's office in St. Petersburg.
"The Arkhangelsk region is ideally suited for the implementation of unmanned marine systems: the open sea, a large river for conducting training tests, populated areas with a coast, a large seaport, island territories, and a large small fleet. There is also human potential - industry professionals, a university that can train personnel," the press service quoted Vladimir Shumilov, General Director of Bezekipazhnaya Logistics JSC.
Project prospects
The experimental transfer of the marine drone to Solovki will take place in the coming days. It is planned to deliver about 150 kg of cargo. The governor suggested that Si Project consider the possibility of obtaining the status of a resident of the Arctic zone of the Russian Federation in order to further expand the production of marine drones in the Arkhangelsk Region and switch to their commercial operation. "It is necessary to move to the active phase of the project implementation so that within two years such unmanned vessels can sail along the route of island territories, delivering the necessary cargo. Today we are launching an experimental sample, it is important that in the future it becomes part of the logistics system in the region," Tsybulsky said. This will create new jobs and strengthen the region's economy.
