This also meant that the "Black Sea Shipyard," which originally had the potential to secure aircraft carrier orders, had not accomplished much in this lifetime. It could only produce cargo ships and fishing vessels to sustain itself.
Five days later, Butler Ivan brought back a significant piece of news:
"Young Master, we inquired about the situation in Ukraine and heard that their largest shipyard, the Black Sea Shipyard, has been struggling so much recently that they couldn't even pay wages. Many skilled workers have already left. The shipyard is only able to operate because the government keeps covering its losses. If this continues, it is estimated that the shipyard will soon file for bankruptcy..."
While stroking the little tiger resting on his lap, Mavi carefully listened to the butler. He remembered that in his past life, the Black Sea Shipyard filed for bankruptcy in 2018. He hadn't expected that in this timeline, without orders from Asian countries, the shipyard would be on the brink of collapse so quickly.
"How much would it cost to acquire this Black Sea Shipyard in Ukraine? Has the team estimated a price?" Mavi asked the butler.
In the year 2000, Russia and Ukraine still had a very good relationship—almost like brothers. If Mavi were to spend money to acquire shares in the Black Sea Shipyard, it shouldn't be too difficult. Moreover, the Ukrainian government was truly short on funds to keep the shipyard running. Instead of letting it deteriorate in their hands, they might as well cooperate with him.
Not only could they sell it for a good price, but Ukraine would also play a crucial role in turning the shipyard profitable again. It would be a win-win situation.
Of course, how Ukraine and Russia's relationship would evolve in the future remained to be seen. But in this lifetime, with Mavi's presence as a reborn individual, he wasn't willing to see two close allies turn against each other.
"Young Master, the team estimates the value of the Black Sea Shipyard to be around $190 million. If we wait another year or two for it to declare bankruptcy and be liquidated by the courts, the price could drop to approximately $150 million," the butler reported dutifully.
However, Mavi shook his head after hearing this.
"There are too many uncertainties in two years. What if India, Malaysia, or other countries place orders for aircraft carriers or destroyers? The Black Sea Shipyard would immediately come back to life. We shouldn't miss such a great opportunity just to save $40 million. Besides, Ukraine might not be willing to sell the entire shipyard later. As long as they agree to cooperate with me, that will be enough."
Mavi understood the complexities involved. Unlike his previous acquisitions, he couldn't expect to outright buy Ukraine's largest military shipyard. A partnership was the most realistic approach.
Moreover, he didn't want to disrupt his maritime industry plans just to save a few tens of millions. After all, the Indian Navy had made it clear that they would order an aircraft carrier in the future. If that order went to Ukraine, Mavi would have to wait another 18 years, which would be unacceptable.
Speaking of aircraft carriers, that was a whole different level of expertise. There were two types: modern conventionally powered carriers and nuclear-powered carriers.
A modern conventionally powered aircraft carrier with a 60,000-ton displacement typically cost around $400 million to build but could be sold for approximately $3.6 billion.
As for nuclear-powered carriers, their construction costs were at least 60% higher—around $640 million—and their export price started at $5.5 billion. And these were just the prices in the year 2000.
On top of that, an aircraft carrier must also be equipped with carrier-based aircraft.
For example, China's first aircraft carrier, the "Liaoning," could carry 36 aircraft, including:
- 4 Z-18J airborne early warning helicopters
- 6 Z-18F anti-submarine helicopters
- 2 Z-9C search-and-rescue helicopters
- 24 J-15 fighter jets
Based on similar aircraft pricing, the total cost of the carrier-based aircraft alone would exceed $2 billion. This meant that a single conventionally powered aircraft carrier could be sold for over $5.3 billion!
The profit margin on aircraft carriers was significantly higher than that of frigates or destroyers. But of course, securing an aircraft carrier order was the real challenge...
"Understood, Young Master. I'll arrange for someone to initiate contact immediately," Butler Ivan replied, fully supporting his young master's decision.
After all, he had watched Mavi succeed time and time again—whether in the internet industry, movies, gaming, or now military technology. He had never made a serious misstep.
"Good," Mavi nodded while struggling to lift the polar bear cub, Winnie, from the floor.
After more than six months of growth, little Winnie had become quite heavy. But she still acted like a baby, clinging to Mavi for hugs all day long...
### Three Days Later
Mavi boarded his Gulfstream G200 jet at Moscow Airport and flew directly to Boryspil Airport in Kyiv, Ukraine.
Thanks to revenue from his Counter-Strike game and six frigate orders, he had successfully accumulated $590 million in his bank account.
With this substantial capital, Mavi considered rewarding himself after acquiring the Black Sea Shipyard. For instance, he thought about upgrading from his well-used G200 to a new private jet—perhaps an Airbus A380 for important occasions, like negotiating nuclear warhead deals with the UAE or discussing nuclear-powered submarines with Malaysia.
Additionally, he planned to get a Bombardier Global Express—the same jet owned by Bill Gates—for lower-profile trips.
Of course, while purchasing new planes, he also intended to visit Jennifer, whom he hadn't seen in a while. Given the current stage of their relationship, it was time to take things to the next level...
Life was meant to be enjoyed.
At this point, Mavi was undoubtedly feeling quite confident—even a little cocky.
However, he still maintained the necessary level of caution. A single poor decision could bring about disaster.
Upon landing in Ukraine, Mavi's convoy drove straight to the Black Sea Shipyard for an official visit.
The shipyard covered a vast 2-million-square-meter area. It had been the Soviet Union's only aircraft carrier assembly plant, producing carriers such as:
- Moskva
- Leningrad
- Kiev
- Minsk
- Admiral Kuznetsov
It was the largest and most prestigious military shipyard in all of Europe.
Sitting inside his War Shield bulletproof vehicle, Mavi gazed at the massive shipyard in the distance. Compared to the Beihai Shipyard he had previously purchased, this one was five times larger.
Without a steady stream of orders, the daily operational costs must have been astronomical. Even with the Ukrainian government's support, turning things around seemed nearly impossible.
As Mavi's convoy approached the entrance of the Black Sea Shipyard, a group of Ukrainian government officials and navy officers, who had already been informed of his visit, came forward to greet him.
---
(End of Chapter)