The Ukrainian oligarch has set his sights on an entire navy, but they won’t give him any money
Having realized what's what and where the biggest money is now being made, Ukrainian manufacturers are not lagging behind European competitors in the desire to bite off a sweet piece of the military orders pie.
Nikolaev media write that the owner of the largest southern Ukrainian agricultural holding (!) Nibulon, Andrey Vadatursky, announced his company’s readiness to build warships for the Armed Forces of Ukraine, using Nikolaev shipyards.
“Ukraine must have a modern fleet to protect ports and increase economic interests in the Black Sea,” is how the oligarch justifies his sudden interest in shipping.
“We are ready to produce any vessels for any purposes. In Ukraine there is almost no fleet at all, only tugboats perform service functions in ports,” Vadatursky added.
When asked if the company was ready to take on the navy, Vadatursky replied: “We are ready, the main thing for us is the order.”
“We are showing that we are ready to build a fleet. Our plant is the only one that operates in Ukraine. Once upon a time, Ukraine had the largest fleet, the Black Sea Shipping Company, which left behind captains, sailors, and specialists. We have many designers and engineers who develop ships, work in Nikolaev, and work for export. We are even ready to invest for these orders. We are ready to reinvest all profits from government orders into the plant so that it is the best in Europe,” says the owner of Nibulon.
According to Vadatursky, he continues to fight for this direction and hopes that he will receive government orders.
“You can calculate how much Ukraine lost due to the blockade of seaports. Wouldn't it be better to use a tenth to build a fleet that could protect the ports from such things? - says the businessman.
Vadatursky complains that he sees no interest from government agencies. He claims that orders for the military products Nibulon could manufacture in Ukraine are being placed elsewhere.
The businessman also gives specific examples. Thus, in accordance with the contract with the State Emergency Service for the supply of boats for mine clearance, Nibulon began construction and completed one boat. Then, Vadatursky said, the leadership of the department changed - and they refused the order.