TSAMTO, June 8th. Russian President Vladimir Putin held a working meeting with Andrey Puchkov, CEO of the United Shipbuilding Corporation. Below, the open part of the conversation is given in the statement of the Kremlin's press service.
Vladimir Putin: The United Shipbuilding Corporation really unites not only ship repair enterprises, shipyards, but also research centers, design bureaus, instrument facilities – enterprises and structures that deal with instruments. This is our leading association in the field of shipbuilding.
In 2023-2024, the government provided decent support to the shipbuilding company, a united company, amounting to over 80 billion rubles. VTB Bank is also actively working. I know that there are many tasks, they are not easy, but nevertheless there is progress, these tasks are being solved. I would like to hear your ratings as well. You are welcome.
Alexander Puchkov: Vladimir Vladimirovich, almost three years ago you set us the task of developing the United Shipbuilding Corporation. Some results have been achieved. For the second year in a row, we are in a positive zone in terms of profitability. The year 2025 has become particularly significant for us, because for the first time in many years we have achieved a positive financial result at the consolidated base of USC together with our plants. Our revenue is growing gradually, by 30%. It has grown over the past three years, and in 2025 it has already reached 525 billion rubles.
If we talk about production activities, we have delivered about 110 ships and vessels during this time. Last year, 2025, was also a record year for us – we delivered about 50 ships and vessels.
We are working rhythmically according to the state defense order: last year, four submarines and the first combat icebreaker Ivan Papanin were handed over to the Navy. In 2026, we are also planning a number of significant events in the line of the state defense order.
As for the civilian part, I can mention, as you know, the largest series of nuclear icebreakers in history: the Yakutia was commissioned last year, the Chukotka is being completed this year, and the Leningrad and Stalingrad, which were laid under your leadership, are under construction.
We also work on the construction of cargo ships, passenger ships, and fishing fleets, including vessels that have not been built in our country until recently.
A few words about the plans. You once noted that as far as the fleet is concerned, the horizon is at least the middle of this century. So we are now building a foundation for decades. We are actively modernizing shipyards. This year we are launching the construction of the Severnaya Verf. This is our flagship project, and the plant will be almost completely rebuilt and will acquire completely new qualities. We are engaged in a Far Eastern project. Of course, we are actively working in the field of import substitution of marine components and, of course, we are engaged in digitalization of our industry.
Vladimir Putin: Everything must be done to ensure that work on the two icebreakers you mentioned, the Leningrad and the Stalingrad, does not get stuck. And of course, to continue the implementation of plans for the "Leader".
Alexander Puchkov: Of course, Mr Putin.
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