The question then extends the inland network toward the Black Sea. Fleet of Oceans says carrier-sized locks and river dredging would consume the remaining shipbuilding program, so the southern route stays limited to corvette-sized vessels. Such a link could also serve large civilian ships, but the scenario gives warship construction priority. Canal dimensions, dredging, and budgets therefore keep the carrier force divided by geography.
Notable Point · 1:06:10-1:08:36
Waterways and basing keep the carrier away from the Black Sea
The Red Fleet accepts a northern-Baltic link but cannot afford a Black Sea route sized for major carriers.