"A unique deep-water breakwater at a depth of over 45 meters and a length of more than one and a half a kilometer is being built at Novorossiysk bay," the head of a special construction department, Major General Mikhail Tashlyk said.
The official said a 280-meter long foundation had already been built. "No one in the world has ever done this job at such a depth," Tashlyk said.
The construction of the new base for Russia's Black Sea Fleet in Novorossiysk's port is due for completion by 2012. The move followed Ukraine's demands for the withdrawal of Russia's base in Sevastopol by 2017.
"Work to build the Novorossiysk base is being carried out on schedule," Tashlyk said. Russia has allocated 12.3 billion rubles (about $480 million) for the construction between 2007 and 2012 as part of a federal program.
So far, quays, weapons storage and other military facilities have been built, the official said. The construction of facilities and accommodation for personnel will continue beyond 2012.
Russia also plans to build the headquarters of Russia's naval base in the city, which is a major Russian port on the Black Sea.
Several thousand officers and other military personnel, as well as more than 200 pieces of specialized equipment and vehicles, including floating cranes, are engaged in the construction.
