Putin’s new salvage vessel is named ‘Warboss’
A new 111-metre specialised vessel has entered service in Russia, prompting speculation about its true purpose. Some commentators have suggested it may have been built for the personal use of President Vladimir Putin.
On 3 March, officials from Russia’s Maritime Rescue Service gathered at the Yantar Shipyard in Kaliningrad for a flag-raising ceremony marking the commissioning of the Voevoda (“Warboss”).
The vessel is the first of Project 23700, a new class of Russian salvage ships. Construction took nearly nine years to complete, with the past two reportedly devoted to sea trials.
The Voevoda will be based in St Petersburg. According to the Maritime Rescue Service, it has “unlimited navigation capabilities” and is designed to carry out a broad range of operations on the open sea. The vessel has a top speed of 22 knots and a cruising range of 5,000 nautical miles.
“The Voevoda embodies the best qualities of Russian engineering and modern shipbuilding,” said Viktor Chernov, head of the service.
The Maritime Rescue Service (Morspassluzhba) is responsible for search and rescue operations, maritime emergencies and crisis response at sea.
Yet the Voevoda differs markedly from other vessels in the rescue fleet. Reports indicate that it features premium accommodation, including eight suites with bedroom, bathroom and study, as well as a conference room and a passenger lounge with buffet facilities.
The ship can carry four motor launches and accommodate two helicopters.
These features have fuelled speculation that the vessel’s purpose may extend beyond maritime rescue. Some claim it is effectively a yacht intended for high-ranking officials — possibly even for Putin himself — and that classifying it as a salvage ship could help shield it from international sanctions.
The vessel was designed by the Severnoye Design Bureau and built at the Yantar shipyard. Both companies have longstanding ties to the Russian military-industrial complex.
