Imagine the year is 1704. Peter the Great, a Tsar with a vision, founds the Admiralty Shipyards. He sought to build Russia’s naval power during the Great Northern War.
This is the Admiralty Shipyards in Saint Petersburg. It stands as one of Russia’s oldest and largest shipyards. From its very beginning, the Admiralty Shipyards played a pivotal role in Russian maritime history.
Initially, it was known as the Galley Yard. It was strategically placed along the Neva River, behind the Admiralty building. The location allowed easy access to the water. The Admiralty administered the shipyard.
Over the years, the Admiralty Shipyards underwent several name changes. In 1721, it became the Galley Wharf. By 1800, it was the New Admiralty Yard. In 1908, it officially became the Admiralty Shipyard.
The Admiralty Shipyards has a rich history of naval construction. It has constructed over 1,000 vessels by 1917. These included 137 large sailing warships. There were also about 700 medium and small sailing vessels. Over 100 iron ships were also made here. Among them were 25 armored warships and 8 cruisers.
The shipyard achieved a milestone in 1959. It delivered the world’s first non-naval nuclear-powered vessel. This was the icebreaker Lenin.
In the 19th and 20th centuries, the Admiralty Shipyards specialized in battleships, cruisers, and submarines. Since the mid-1950s, surface-ship facilities shifted. They focused on large merchant ships and icebreakers. Large rescue ships, fish-factory ships and floating dry docks were also constructed.
But its contributions extend beyond military and commercial vessels. The Admiralty Shipyards’ foundry produced bronze tablets and candelabras. These adorn the Alexander Column in Palace Square. The statuary and roof of St. Isaac’s Cathedral also came from here. Many bridges and ornate cast-iron fences throughout St. Petersburg are their creations.
The Admiralty Shipyards also has a history of submarine construction. In 1966, it delivered the first Victor I-class nuclear attack submarine. Later, the Victor II and Victor III-class submarines followed. The titanium-hulled Alfa class submarines were also built here.
Between 1973 and 1998, the shipyard built 298 submarines. Among them were 41 nuclear submarines. Specialized submersibles like the Sever-2 and Tinro-2 were also produced.
Today, the Admiralty Shipyards continues to specialize in submarine shipbuilding. Recent constructions include Kilo-class submarines and Lada-class submarines. The company also develops the Amur-class submarine for export.
One unique project is the deep-sea research vehicle Konsul. It can dive as deep as 6 kilometers. It can work for 10 hours using a manipulator.
The Admiralty Shipyards plays a vital role in Russia’s naval defense. It also contributes significantly to the economy of Saint Petersburg.
However, it is important to remember the human element of this great shipyard. On December 24, 2022, CEO Alexander Buzakov passed away suddenly. He had dedicated 11 years to leading the Admiralty Shipyards.
As we conclude our visit, reflect on the Admiralty Shipyards. It is a place where innovation meets history. It is a testament to Russia’s shipbuilding prowess. From naval vessels to architectural marvels, its legacy remains etched in St. Petersburg.