Electric analogue of Soviet motor ship R-51 to start sailing in May

In the capital of Russia, a new electric pleasure boat, Moscow 2025, will be launched in June 2.0. The innovative project is a modern take on the once popular R-51 motor ship, which was the most popular type of river boat during the Soviet era.


Construction of the first ship designed by the Emperium shipyard began in May 2024 at a shipyard located in St. Petersburg.

In the future, the company plans to produce 25 such vessels by 2030. Production is carried out within the framework of the program for the development of environmentally friendly water Transport in Russia, which is in line with the global trend towards reducing emissions and switching to electric traction.


"Moscow 2.0" differs from its predecessor not only in its electric engine, but also in its updated design. Its length is 33,3 meters, and its width is 8 meters. This is 2 meters wider than the original version.

The increased width has allowed for more spacious interior spaces, including a full-fledged restaurant, bar and business lounge. The main deck has been given more aerodynamic and stylish slanted glazing, and the upper open deck is now protected by an awning.

The electric vessel's power plant includes an electric motor and batteries, making it completely autonomous on the water.

Just in case, the ship's design includes an auxiliary diesel generator. It is designed to ensure autonomy on routes without charging infrastructure.

The cruising speed of the electric vessel will be 20 km/h, and the maximum capacity will be 130 passengers.

The Moscow 2.0 project was the first step towards the transition of the Russian river fleet to electric energy. In 2025, serial production of these ships will begin at the shipyard in Nagatinsky Zaton.


In addition, it is planned to develop two-deck ships “Moscow 3.0” and three-deck cruise liners of the new “Oka” project, equipped with hybrid installations on diesel and electric energy.

The launch of "Moscow 2.0" into operation will be an important event for river shipping in Russia. Modern technologies, environmental friendliness and improved passenger infrastructure will allow such ships to fit organically into the city's transport system.