Shipbuilding in the era of globalization is a multifaceted process. In our interview, we present to you an extraordinary businessman, Rustam Dosaev – the CEO and founder of LLC “Elkom,” which today stands at the top of the shipbuilding industry in Russia. Rustam is a true guru in his field, with 13 years of management experience that have made him an expert in business development under the challenging conditions of the modern market. Under his leadership, the company has successfully transformed from a small startup into a leading organization with 180 highly qualified employees and a turnover of over 1 billion rubles. His experience in managing large-scale projects, integrating advanced technologies, and commitment to high quality standards make him a true leader in the shipbuilding sector. Rustam Dosaev is not just a manager, but a visionary who actively promotes sustainable practices and fosters continuous development among his employees, enabling the company to remain at the forefront of the shipbuilding industry for many years.
Rustam, you are at the forefront of Russia’s shipbuilding arena as the CEO and founder of “Elkom,” which today undoubtedly holds a top position among the most professional players in this field. Tell us how you embarked on this exciting journey.
– My passion for the sea and technology has always been strong. In 2008, I saw emerging opportunities for the development of the shipbuilding industry in Russia and decided to pursue this path by founding a company to contribute to such a dynamic field. “Elkom” has come a long way: from a small team of two employees to a modern leader in the shipbuilding industry with more than 180 highly qualified specialists. Over 13 years, we have shown phenomenal growth, starting with a turnover of about 5 million rubles and reaching over 1 billion rubles today. During our development, we have not only built our own production and administrative complex and warehouse but also assembled a fleet of vehicles and specialized equipment, as well as established an electrical laboratory.
Your clients are giants of the shipbuilding, ship repair, and shipping industries, such as LLC “Vodokhod,” JSC SC “Volga Shipping Company,” LLC “Volgo-Baltic Fleet,” JSC “Okskaya Shipyard,” JSC “Onezhsky Shipbuilding and Ship Repair Plant,” PJSC “Krasnoye Sormovo,” and many others. How do you establish and maintain relationships with such major clients, and what factors, in your opinion, contribute to your success in working with them?
– Success requires teamwork, a strategic approach, and a constant drive for excellence. I always set high goals for myself and am not afraid to challenge myself. We build relationships by focusing on trust, listening to our clients’ needs, adapting to their requirements, and offering innovative solutions that help them achieve their goals. Maintaining these relationships is like constant training: you need to stay in top form and be ready for changes. We regularly communicate with our partners, hold joint events, and discuss new projects. It is important to be on the same wavelength and understand that each other’s success depends on mutual support. This understanding and professionalism allow us to build long-term and productive relationships with our clients.
How does “Elkom” cope with the growing competition in the international shipbuilding market, especially considering strong players like South Korea, Japan, and China?
– Competition in the international market demands our full concentration and readiness to fight. We understand that to achieve success, we must constantly improve the quality of our products and services, as well as optimize costs. Our team works as a single mechanism: we analyze market trends, implement innovative technologies, and actively listen to our clients to offer them exactly what they need. We do not fear competition; on the contrary, we see it as an opportunity for growth and development. Every challenge is a chance to become stronger, and we are ready for it. We strive for our clients to see us as a reliable partner who not only meets but exceeds their expectations. Ultimately, our goal is not just to survive in a competitive environment but to maintain a leading position in the market!
We see tightening environmental standards alongside widespread automation and digitalization, all of which require shipbuilding companies to continuously update their production processes and workforce skills, which can be challenging and costly. What steps do you take as the head of a shipbuilding company for successful transformation?
– One must always be ready for any challenges and continuously improve. We understand that complying with new environmental standards is not just a necessity but our responsibility to future generations. Therefore, we actively invest in new technologies and materials that help reduce emissions and use resources more efficiently. This requires significant effort, but for us, it is not an expense but rather an investment in our future and the future of our industry. Regarding technological changes, we see them as opportunities for growth. Automation and digitalization are new tools that help us optimize production processes and improve product quality. We train our employees to confidently work with new technologies and adapt to changes. Ultimately, we are the locomotive leading the train of followers in sustainable development and innovation!
Rustam, in your opinion, what opportunities does globalization offer your company in the shipbuilding industry, and how do you plan to use modern technologies to improve production processes?
– Access to new markets, especially in developing countries like India and Brazil, provides us with unique growth opportunities. We see that the demand for new ships and technologies is growing there, and this is our chance to strengthen our position on the international stage. As for technology, we are at the forefront of innovation. Modern solutions such as 3D printing and autonomous ships can radically change our production processes. These technologies not only speed up development but also help us reduce costs, which is a key success factor in a highly competitive environment. We actively invest in research and development to stay one step ahead.
“Elkom” is now a leading company in Russian shipbuilding with an annual turnover of over $11 million. How does globalization facilitate cooperation and partnerships in your company, and how do you plan to use these alliances to achieve sustainable development?
– Globalization opens doors for us to create international alliances and partnerships, which is indeed an important aspect of our strategy. We understand that exchanging experience, technologies, and resources with other companies, as my professional experience in Turkey, Bulgaria, and the Bahamas has shown, can significantly enhance our efficiency and innovation. Collaborating with partners from different countries allows us to gain access to new ideas and approaches, which in turn helps us improve our products and services. As for sustainable development, we realize that it is not just a trend but a necessity. In the context of globalization, we can focus on developing more environmentally friendly technologies that meet modern market requirements. This not only meets our clients' expectations but also creates a positive image of our company. We strive to be not only competitive but also responsible players in the market. By collaborating with other companies and organizations, we can develop more sustainable solutions that help minimize environmental impact. I know we will continue to actively seek opportunities for cooperation on the international stage.
And, in light of the challenges and opportunities for shipbuilding in the era of globalization that you have described, what are your plans for the future?
– As I mentioned, we plan to continue investing in sustainable and environmentally friendly technologies. This not only addresses the challenges of our time but also reaffirms our company's positive image in the eyes of clients and partners. I am confident that we will maintain our leading position in the shipbuilding industry and make a significant contribution to its sustainable development. Success comes to those who are ready to change and learn, and I am proud that our team is exactly that.
