The first fully unmanned naval vessel in Russia is now in service. The eco-ferry General Chernyakhovsky, operating on the sea corridor linking St. Petersburg with Kaliningrad, has begun service along the Ust-Luga to Kaliningrad route, as reported by TASS.
Russian Deputy Prime Minister Andrei Belousov and Deputy Minister of Transport Alexander Poshivay joined the ceremony via video link to witness the milestone event.
During the ceremony, the deputy prime minister stated, “Today we mark the General Chernyakhovsky’s first autonomous journey.” He emphasized that the voyage is not merely a test, but the launch of a commercial operation that aims to transport socially important goods to the Kaliningrad region.
The General Chernyakhovsky operates on a strategically vital link between Ust-Luga and Kaliningrad. It stands out as the first marine eco-ferry in Russia to be steered by autonomous control systems, developed by the Russian tech firm Sitronics Group. The vessel represents a notable step in applying autonomous technologies to civilian maritime freight, combining environmental performance with modern automation to support regional logistics.
In October, reports surfaced about shifts in funding within Russia’s shipbuilding sector. Specifically, investments in the construction of nuclear icebreakers were reported to be reduced by nearly 10 billion rubles over three years, a move attributed to rising project costs. Analysts noted that the price tag for serial icebreakers could double in the coming years, signaling a larger conversation about capital allocation in critical maritime assets.
Earlier statements from the Ministry of Transport pointed to changes in plans for new icebreaker construction, underscoring a broader re-evaluation of heavy maritime assets and the financial strategies backing their development. These developments reflect the balancing act between advancing cutting-edge naval technology and managing public funding to ensure steady, reliable access to key Arctic and Baltic routes.