The lead vessel of Project 00840 "Karelia" – the motor ship "Nikolay Zharkov" – will not be ready for the summer navigation season of 2025. According to the United Shipbuilding Corporation (USC), the delivery of the liner has been postponed to the fourth quarter of 2025. The main reason is the need to redesign the vessel due to changes in the supply chains of components.
"Nikolay Zharkov" is being built at the "Krasnoye Sormovo" plant. It is a four-deck "river-sea" class motor ship with a length of 131 meters, capable of carrying up to 180 passengers in 88 cabins. Its uniqueness lies in the ability to navigate both inland waterways and the waters of the White, Black, Caspian, and Azov Seas.
The motor ship is equipped with:
- A hybrid power plant that saves fuel
- A modern navigation system with electronic chart support
- An innovative wastewater treatment system
- A roll stabilization system for comfort in marine conditions
Currently, all the necessary equipment has been purchased, and the construction of the order continues according to the updated schedule, taking into account the time reserve required for commissioning the new equipment.
Project Features and Prospects for Operation
"Nikolay Zharkov" will become the flagship of the new generation of Russian cruise ships.
The vessel is equipped with modern navigation and safety systems, and its interiors are designed in a premium format:
- 88 cabins, including suites with balconies and family rooms;
- restaurants, bars, a SPA area, and a swimming pool;
- a children's club and entertainment areas
According to the new plans, the motor ship "Nikolay Zharkov" will be launched on June 11, 2025.
Vodohod LLC, as the customer of the construction, has taken over the execution of part of the production tasks, including the work on the interior decoration of the motor ship, which may give confidence in meeting the construction completion deadlines.
The operator "Vodohod" has already started working with clients, offering them:
- Rescheduling the booking to 2026 while maintaining the price
- Alternative cruises on other vessels of the company
- Full refund
Despite the delays, the "Karelia" project remains important for the development of the Russian cruise fleet. The second and third vessels of the series are planned to be delivered in 2026 and 2027. The key reason for the delay was the refusal of Western suppliers to fulfill contracts, which required finding alternatives in China and Turkey.
Read more on the topic:
The new motor ship "Nikolay Zharkov" will be launched in 2025