Scientific and Technological Research of the Central Scientific Research Institute of the River Fleet and the Leningrad Institute of Water Transport Engineers in 1946-1958

The article examines the scientific and technological activities of the Central Scientific Research Institute of the River Fleet (TsNIIRF) and the Leningrad Institute of Water Transport Engineers (LIIVT). The period from 1946 to 1958 was a time of intensive post-war reconstruction and modernization of the USSR transport system. The key areas of their work are considered, which included not only the restoration of destroyed infrastructure but also the creation of a laboratory base, the development of new technologies and the modernization of existing ones in the field of shipbuilding, electric welding, flaw detection, and standardization. Engineers and scientists were working to improve the hulls of ships, increase their carrying capacity and maneuverability, as well as to introduce advanced methods of production and restoration to shorten the construction and repair time of the fleet. An equally important aspect of the work was the introduction of methods to save resources and improve the efficiency of river transport. Among the landmark projects are the development of ship-pushing technologies, which made it possible to optimize towing operations and reduce fuel consumption, and also research into watered-down fuel oil combustion, which enabled using lower-quality fuels without significant loss of engine power. A special place in the study is occupied by the analysis of cooperation with other organizations, such as the Gorky Institute of Water Transport Engineers (GIIVT), the Central Technical Design Bureau (CTKB), the Central Design Bureau (CPKB), the Ministry of Petroleum Industry, etc. Joint projects accelerated the implementation of innovation activities and provided an integrated approach to solving industry problems. Significant research work is described, which includes testing new vessels, developing regulatory documents (GOST standards), and introducing methods for pushing ships and burning watered-down fuel oil. In addition, the role of TsNIIRF and LIIVT in the training of qualified personnel, the publication of scientific collections, and the holding of conferences and seminars that facilitated the exchange of experience and the dissemination of advanced knowledge is emphasized. The institutes conducted active teaching activities and organized internships and retraining of specialists. All this together played a key role in the modernization of the USSR river fleet in the post-war period, laying the foundation for the further development of the industry in the 1950s and subsequent years.