Vladimir Putin's speech:

Good afternoon, friends. We are here today to celebrate a very special and pleasant event – consecrating and naming a new vessel obtained by Sovkomflot. And I am happy that both Vyacheslav Tikhonov's family and the company's team accepted the proposal that this vessel be named after our prominent artist, beloved by millions of our citizens.

Undoubtedly, Vyacheslav Tikhonov was one of the leaders of Soviet and Russian filmmaking and of our entire culture. Similarly, this vessel will undoubtedly be a leader in the sector it is meant to develop. This is the best vessel in this class and in this industry thanks to the latest equipment for marine geological prospecting and exploration. Certainly, it will be in-demand both in the Black Sea basin and other regions. We have great prospects in this field.

I am sure that the crew will be worthy of the name Vyacheslav Tikhonov and will meet the highest requirements and criteria of work. I would like to wish you success!

Today, we are going to take another step forward – a step towards the localisation of production of such vessels at Russian shipyards. I am sure that our shipbuilders can do an excellent job of producing such equipment. I congratulate everyone again and wish you fair seas. Thank you.

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Following the naming ceremony for the research vessel Vyacheslav Tikhonov, Vladimir Putin attended the signing of a number of documents

The list of the signed documents includes:

- an agreement on 3D geological prospecting and exploration on the Tuapse license area;

- an agreement on creating a joint working group on the project for the localisation of seismic vessel production in Russia;

- an agreement of intent to implement the project for the creation of a dry-cargo district in the Taman sea port.

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After the documents were signed, Prime Minister Vladimir Putin visited the control room where he reviewed long-term projects presented at information stands, such as the development of the Tuapse Trough. As of September 1, 2011, the investment made in the exploration of this area amounted to 1.8 billion roubles.

In addition, a navigation chart of the area for future exploration was shown to the prime minister. He signed the chart and wished the explorers luck.

The prime minister was also told about the project to build a dry-cargo district in the Taman sea port. The construction is expected to be completed in 2015. "Excellent. We will have a new port at the Black Sea in three or four years," said Vladimir Putin.