It analyzed the work of the Soviet navy, outlined the draft shipbuilding program for 10 years drawn up by the Central Maritime Transport Administration and the State Merchant Marine fleet, and proposed a small number of ships to be purchased abroad as a temporary measure.

[2] On 2 March 1929, the Institute of Shipbuilding and Ship Repair was established as part of the Research Department of the People's Commissariat of Communication Routes, headed by Professor (later Academician) Valentin Pozdunin.

On 13 February 1930, the Presidium of the Central Executive Committee of the Soviet Union approved the resolution of the Council of People's Commissars "On the reorganization of the management of sea and river transport".

The institute carried out research in the field of economics and fleet operation, ship repair, capital construction and use of waterways and ports.

During World War II, the European part of the railway network was almost completely destroyed, 40% of cars and 50% of locomotives were lost.