Russian shipbuilders ordered to design new passenger ships according to the Dutch newspaper De tijd dated 18 January 1947

An item referred to Radio Moscow which broadcasted that the Russian department for the merchant navy asked the major Russian shipbuilders to design passenger ships of 35.000-50.000 tons able to transport more as 4.500 passengers and to develop a speed of 27 knots. The ships were to be built by two huge shipyards which yards at that moment were being founded.