First Hydrofoil Since Soviet Era in Construction at Russian Shipyard

A Russian shipyard is currently building the first hydrofoil vessels since the Soviet era, a source in the shipbuilding industry told RIA Novosti Tuesday.

MOSCOW (Sputnik) — The fact that the vessels are being constructed "symbolizes that building of rapid ships is starting to develop after experiencing a decline in the 1990s," the source said.

"This is the first hydrofoil project since the Soviet times. It can carry 120 passengers. This is a new generation vessel for high-speed marine transportation."

The vessels are being constructed at a Nizhny Novgorod shipyard in central Russia.

"These vessels are still in high demand in Russia. Such ships are needed in the Black Sea, where there are big issues with servicing the flow of passengers."

The source added that the vessels of this kind used to be sold to China, Greece and Baltic countries.