Yantar Shipyard to Lay down Next Ship for Russian Navy

20.09.2012 JSC Yantar Shipyard (affiliate of United Shipbuilding Corporation) prepares to lay down a keel for the fourth frigate for Russian Navy. As of now, the shipyard has made a bottom section to which a keel-laying plate will be attached. The triumphant keel-laying ceremony is scheduled on Oct 12. The fourth frigate of this series will bear a name of Admiral Butakov.

In accordance with two contracts signed with Russian defense ministry, Yantar is to build six Project 11356 frigates developed by JSC Severnoye Design Bureau. Lead ship of the series, frigate Admiral Grigorovich was laid down on Dec 18, 2010; the second ship, Admiral Essen was keel-laid on July 8, 2011; and the third frigate, Admiral Makarov was laid down on Feb 29, 2012. The shipyard must hand over six frigates to Russian Navy in 2014-2016.

Project 11356 frigates are designed for antisurface/antisubmarine/antiaircraft engagement in sea and ocean zones both alone and as escort ships in task force.

Admiral Grigory I. Butakov (1820-1882) was an outstanding figure in Russian Navy. He served at Baltic and Black Sea fleets, participated in the Crimean War and defense of Sevastopol. Butakov was major commander of Black Sea Fleet and military governor of Nikolayev and Sevastopol, then major commander of St. Petersburg port. He also headed armored squadron of Baltic Fleet. Butakov was the first Russian admiral who reorganized structure and tactics of naval forces in accordance with development of steam fleet.

JSC Yantar Shipyard (Kaliningrad, Russia) was established on July 8, 1945 on the basis of Koenigsberg shipyards F. Schichau. It is specialized in construction of light and intermediate tonnage vessels for military and civil purposes, as well as ship repair works. Through the 67-year long history, the yard has built 155 warships and over 500 civil vessels. Currently, Yantar's majority shareholder is government represented by United Shipbuilding Corporation.