STX France OK’s Engagement of Baltiysky Zavod in the Construction of Mistral Ships

STX France has given the green light to United Shipbuilding Corporation for the appointment of Baltiysky Zavod Shipyard ( one of USC’s subsidiaries) as a producer of buoyant parts for two hulls of Mistral class helicopter carriers.

The contract for two Mistral-class carriers for Russian Navy was signed by JSC Rosoboronexport and DCNS (France) in June 2011.

Baltiysky Zavod shipyard plans to commence first steel-cutting for future Mistral on August 1st 2012 with the keel-laying ceremony scheduled for October 1st.

Displacement of Mistral-class assault landing ship is 21,000 tons; length overall is 210 meters; speed is over 18 knots; operating range is up to 20,000 miles; crew is 160 men plus 450 marines. Air wing comprises 16 helicopters including six placed on the flight deck. Russian Mistrals will be armed with eight Ka-52K and eight Ka-29 helicopters.

Baltiysky Zavod, JSC is one of the leading enterprises in the Russian shipbuilding industry. In 2006, the shipyard celebrated its 150th anniversary. During this century-and-a-half period, the shipyard has delivered over 500 naval ships, submarines, and commercial vessels. Since the day of its foundation, the shipyard has been among the first to undertake new shipbuilding projects subsequently taken up by other yards. Today, as well as a century and a half ago, Baltiysky Zavod remains in the vanguard of the Russian shipbuilding industry integrating most modern, state-of-the-art technologies. The shipyard’s production facilities and equipment are capable of producing modern ships that meet all necessary international requirements.

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Shipbuilding Tribune Staff, April 23, 2012;