The high-speed catamaran “Fort Shanets,” the sixth and final vessel in the “Kotlin” series, was launched on July 29th at the Sredne-Nevsky Shipbuilding Plant. This marks the completion of a project designed to enhance transportation between St. Petersburg and the “Island of Forts” museum and historical park in Kronstadt.

The “Kotlin” series catamarans are designed to provide a fast and convenient sea route to Kronstadt, according to Governor Alexander Beglov. He also noted the island’s ongoing development and the role of St. Petersburg’s advanced technologies in that process.

These Project 04580 “Kotlin” catamarans combine the characteristics of river and sea vessels, allowing them to navigate both the Neva River and the Gulf of Finland’s coastal zone, even under bridges. The catamarans can reach speeds of up to 27 knots and accommodate nearly 200 passengers, transporting them to a dedicated pier on the “Island of Forts.”

Yuri Nabatov, General Director of “Neva Travel,” stated that these catamarans represent a step forward in developing modern and comfortable water-based logistics. He added that they are becoming a new tourist symbol of St. Petersburg.

Like its predecessors, “Fort Shanets” is named in reference to Kronstadt’s maritime history.

The first two catamarans, “Fort Kronslot” and “Fort Peter I,” entered service in 2023. They were followed by “Fort Alexander I” and “Fort Totleben” in 2024, and “Fort Obruchev” in 2025.

The project is part of a state program to modernize Russia’s passenger fleet, with support from the Ministry of Industry and Trade. The Sredne-Nevsky Shipbuilding Plant, a part of the United Shipbuilding Corporation, built all six catamarans.

The plant is also working on another series of catamarans, the Project 04710 “Sommers,” intended for excursion routes within Kronstadt itself, transporting tourists to the “Kronslot” and “Emperor Alexander the First” forts. The third catamaran in this series, “Gabion,” was recently launched.