Meteor Hydrofoils Restored in Perm at One-Third Cost

Authorities in Perm have started restoring two Meteor hydrofoils, with the project costing three times less than purchasing new ships. Another vessel, a Voshod-50, is also being refurbished in Leningrad Oblast.

Feb 20, 2026

Workers are restoring the Meteor hydrofoils at the Zaozerye repair base in Perm Krai.
Source:
press service of the Ministry of Transport of Perm Krai

Restoration has begun in Perm on the «Meteor-231» and «Meteor-220» hydrofoils transferred to the region, according to the regional Ministry of Transport.

Both vessels are at the «Zaozerye Repair and Operational Base of the Fleet.» They have been placed on special keel blocks, and workers are currently removing the hull sheathing.

«The metal will be partially replaced with new, all rivets and thiokol tapes (sealant for treating seams) will be completely renewed,» the ministry said. «Simultaneously, the old engines and the propulsion-steering complex are being dismantled. During the restoration work, new engines, propeller shafts with screws will be installed, and the wings will be repaired.»

The Meteor is 34.6 meters long (113 feet) and can reach speeds of up to 65 kilometers per hour (40 mph). The vessel is designed for 123 passengers.

The old seats have been removed from the cabins of both Meteors. Currently, the flooring and sheathing are being taken off, followed by the ceiling sheathing. All of this will be renewed, with new seats and windows installed, and toilet rooms, the captain«s cabin, and a utility block arranged. Each vessel will have air conditioning and video surveillance systems installed, and radio and navigation equipment replaced. Lifesaving equipment will also be purchased.

At the same time, another vessel, the «Voshod-50,» is being restored in Leningrad Oblast for Perm, having been taken there in September 2025.

The Voshod is 27.6 meters long (90 feet) and can reach speeds of up to 65 kilometers per hour (40 mph). It is designed for 71 passengers.

«The final stage of restoration work for all three hydrofoils will be painting them in the corporate livery of Perm Krai,» the Ministry of Transport of Perm Krai said. «The restoration of the Meteors and the Voshod will be completed this year and will cost the region three times less than purchasing new similar ships.»

The repair of the Voshod will finish earlier, and they hope to test the vessel during the summer navigation season of 2026. The Meteors are planned to be completed in the fourth quarter.

«All three ships will begin full operation in the 2027 navigation season,» the ministry added. «It is planned that they will operate from Perm to Osa and Chaikovsky.»

Earlier, we examined what the newly established «Perm River Shipping Company» in Perm Krai will do.