Aim. The presented study aims to develop an organizational and economic mechanism for designing a shipbuilding cluster.Tasks. The author examines legal documents regulating the formation and development of industrial clusters in the Russian Federation, identifies opportunities for designing a shipbuilding cluster in the Republic of Crimea, and provides a comprehensive algorithm for the cluster’s creation.Methods. The author develops an algorithm for the formation of an industrial cluster in the context of the shipbuilding industry. The study uses the methods of structural, functional, and normative analysis as well as organizational design.Results. The developed algorithm for creating an industrial cluster defines the logical sequence of stages in its formation, making it possible to develop a comprehensive approach to the organization of designing a shipbuilding cluster in the Republic of Crimea. The formation and development of a shipbuilding cluster require each potential participant to make an independent decision about joining the cluster; implementation of joint projects by economic subjects on mutually beneficial terms while maintaining competitive relations; stimulation of innovation and promotion of goods, works, and services; interaction with educational and research institutions; development of technological and industrial infrastructure. Cluster-based interaction helps to activate the stages of specialization and cooperation, attract customers and suppliers, reduce the unit cost of completed orders and technical services. Implementation of the cluster approach in the shipbuilding industry involves examining a separate industry in relation to related industries.Conclusions. The essence of the organizational and economic mechanism for designing a cluster in the shipbuilding industry in the Republic of Crimea is characterized by the specific localization of business structures. The cluster is aimed at enhancing the competitiveness and efficient interaction between these structures through specialization and industrial cooperation, attracting financial, research, and educational organizations.