In April 1893, thanks to the efforts of talented engineer Alexander Shchensnovich, a large elevator powered by three-phase alternating current began operating in Novorossiysk. This was the world's first facility of its kind, equipped with individual drives on electric motors. Various unique improvements developed and implemented on-site were used in the creation of the elevator. The mechanical processing of parts for electric generators and motors was carried out in the railway workshops of Novorossiysk, while the assembly of machines took place in the port workshops. The oil-powered power station was equipped with thermal boilers manufactured at the Novorossiysk Copper and Iron Foundry. Its total capacity was 1200 kW, including four generators of 300 kW each. The entire elevator was equipped with electric motors, with about 100 asynchronous electric motors installed in total.