Marshal Rokossovsky ferry can guarantee reliable connection between Russia, Kaliningrad - Putin

MOSCOW. March 4 (Interfax) - The new ferry Marshal Rokossovsky will guarantee a continual and reliable connection between the Kaliningrad region and the entire country, and will help ensure good living conditions for its residents, Russian President Vladimir Putin said.

"The availability of sea transport of this class will help us guarantee a continual and reliable connection between Russia's Western exclave and the entire country. And that means that we will provide good conditions for people's lives, possibilities for further strengthening of the Kaliningrad region's industrial, social and tourist infrastructure, for continual supply of products and stable operation of the region's companies and enterprises regardless of how events develop," Putin said at the ceremony for raising the state flag on the Marshal Rokossovsky ferry by videoconference.

This vessel will take to the Kaliningrad region consumer goods and products for construction and other important sectors of the region's economy today, he said.

The new ferry can go to sea in difficult weather conditions and does not need an icebreaker to accompany it in winter, Putin said.