ASTRAKHAN. Nov 14 (Interfax) - The development of the North-South international transport corridor is expected to considerably increase the freight traffic volume in the Caspian Sea, Russian presidential aide and Maritime Board Chairman Nikolai Patrushev said.
Speaking at a conference dealing with the development of the shipbuilding sector in the Astrakhan region, Patrushev said a key role in the Caspian area's development "belongs to the development of the North-South international transport corridor." Therefore, "considering the anticipated growth in the freight traffic volume along this maritime route, we need to develop our fleet and port infrastructure and take navigation safety measures, including make sure that fairways are deep enough for vessels to pass," he said.
All of this requires a new level of shipbuilding in the Astrakhan region through developing science and technology, upgrading the manufacturing assets, engaging specialists, and implementing innovative digital technology, he said.
Patrushev said he hosted a series of conferences at the local level to plan approaches toward the comprehensive development of Russia's shipbuilding industry, where "aspects of personnel training were considered involving representatives of educational organizations and decisions were made to meet the industry's needs," including by reviewing engineering training programs at colleges.