Russian government ordered building transport Samojed by British company Thames Ironworks according to the magazine Mitteilungen aus dem Gebiete des Seewesens 1895 nr. 7

An item reported that the Russian government ordered the building at Thames Ironworks, England of one steel made steam transport with as dimensions 52 (between perpendiculars) x 10 (maximum) x 3,65 (full loaded) and a displacement of 1.055 tons. The triple expansion steam engine of 1.050 ehp was to allow a speed of 12 knots. The armament would consist of 2-3,7cm quick firing guns.