MYKOLAIV, MAY 17th, 2011, CONTEXT-PRICHERNOMORIE — President of Ukraine Viktor Yanukovich has taken part in keel-laying ceremony at Mykolaiv Black-Sea Shipyard, Context-Prichernomorie correspondent reports.

After the laying of a corvette in section 11 the President proceeded to section number 28, where the keel of ship project CS 3850 for the Dutch company Damen Shipyards Bergum was laid.

The President was accompanied by Defence Minister Mikhailo Yezhel, Commander of Naval Forces of Ukraine Viktor Maksimov, Head of the Supervisory Board of Smart-Holding Vadim Novinsky, People's Deputy of Ukraine Anatoly Kinakh, as well as Mykolaiv officials and heads of various departments.

Speaking to the workers, the Head of State said: “I am very grateful for the patience you have had, you have preserved faith in your own strength. I am confident that together with you we will create all the motivation for shipbuilding development.”