Russian presidential aide, USC executives discuss prospects for shipbuilding industry development

MOSCOW. Nov 29 (Interfax) - Russian presidential aide, Maritime Board Chairman Nikolai Patrushev has discussed prospects for the development of the national shipbuilding industry with United Shipbuilding Corporation (USC) executives, Patrushev's office said on Friday.

"The discussion addressed the industry's preparation for the transfer to the Shipbuilding 4.0 concept, which envisages semi-knocked down production, robotics and massive digitalization of the manufacturing process," the office said.

While visiting the USC office, Patrushev familiarized himself with the work of the management company and discussed key areas of operations, current plans and the development strategy of the corporation with Board of Directors Chairman Andrei Kostin and USC General Director Andrei Puchkov, it said.

Patrushev said it was necessary to increase the efficiency of shipbuilding industry enterprises, upgrade manufacturing facilities, implement additive technologies, digitalize manufacturing processes, achieve technological independence of the industry, and improve the financial status of shipyards, the office said.

"The development of the workforce potential was highlighted. Andrei Puchkov noted that the corporation had established cooperation with respective colleges, technical schools, and higher educational establishments," it said.

The Russian president is monitoring the development of the national shipbuilding sector, Patrushev said. He also said that the industry had a high potential and competences sufficient for the quality fulfillment of public and private orders, the office said.