Vitaly Kushnarev: “Development of international shipping in the Azov-Don Basin is a priority”

As navigation is in full swing at Nizhny Don, Transport Minister of Rostov Region Vitaly Kushnarev tells IAA PortNews about the development priorities of the region’s transport complex.

- Mr. Kushnarev, what are the priority tasks for Rostov Region’s Transport Ministry in water transport sector?

- Marine and river transport of the Rostov Region play a key role in the development of international transport and economic relations of the region. Participants of foreign economic activities in the region have recently intensified using international shipping for direct foreign trade cooperation with the states of the Black Sea, Mediterranean and Caspian Basins. The reason is evident: water transportation is still one of the most affordable. Therefore its volume grows from year to year. River Don is the busiest part of Russia’s unified deepwater system today.

So, the priority task is to continue the development of international shipping in the Azov-Don Basin with further increase of transportation by river-sea class vessels up to 5,000 t in capacity between central Russia and Caspian/Mediterranean countries.

- This year features low water conditions which brings up the necessity to build Bagayevsky hydroengineering complex. What does this project mean for the region? 

- Ship owners insist on implementation of this project as it would let them use their tonnage in full and increase cargo transportation. 

The region’s position is as follows: the complex should be designed after a detailed expertise concerning, in particular, the state of river Don. Environmental aspect is a priority for us: Don supplies water to two thirds of the region while the growth of transit transportation is to be ensured by dangerous oil cargo.

- One more infrastructure project is the construction of multimodal transport and logistic hub “Multipurpose port of Rostov”. How successful is its implementation? What about the scope of investments?

- As of today, Multipurpose port of Rostov has seven mooring complexes with the berth line stretching for 1,150 m. The port handles containers, coal, grain, mineral fertilizers, metal, cement, field spar etc.

The project’s total value exceeds RUB 24 bln. The share of the federal budget is RUB 6.4 bln, regional budget – over RUB 1 bln, off-budget investments – over RUB 16 bln.

From the year of 2006, all participants of the project have allocated over RUB 3.5 bln.

- What is the progress on construction of a railway link between Kazachya station and port approaches via Universalnaya station? Why do we need this way today? 

- The design work has been completed and an expert approval has been obtained. Designing and construction of this project is financed by a consortium of investors.

The project implementation is currently hindered by the absence railway station Universalnaya the construction of which is to be financed by the federal budget.

According to the statement made last year, the check point in Rostov-on-Don is to be shifted from the right to the left bank of river Don, to the territory of Multipurpose port of Rostov. What has been done in this direction?

- Multipurpose port of Rostov has provided a 0.6-hectare plot of land for construction of the checkpoint’s administrative building. The land was given free of charge and the federal right was registered. It will be under economic management of FSUE Rosmorport.

- Are the ports in demand in the Rostov Region? 

- There are over 30 stevedoring companies in the region. They handle a short list of cargoes, usually one to three points each, while ports provide opportunities for transshipment of a wide range of cargoes through dedicated terminals and well developed port infrastructure. 

Azov seaport, Rostov seaport, River port in Volgodonsk, Taganrog seaport and Ust-Donetsk river port are the ports of the Rostov Region.

Cargo turnover within the limits of the Azov-Don Basin has been permanently growing last years. In 2011, it was about 23 mln t including transit. In 2012, it increased by 8.6% to 25 mln t. In 2013, it hit 27 mln t. 

- Vessel traffic in the Azov-Don river basin has increased considerably over this navigation period. Many cargo flows have shifted from the north-west to the south direction. How is safe shipping being ensured?

- Safe shipping in the Rostov Region is the competence of Azov Basin branch of FSUE Rosmorport and Azov-Don Basin Administration which promptly respond to emergencies at the region’s water ways.  

Interviewed by Elena Tkacheva