Unable to export its cargo via the ports of the Baltic states, Belarus has redirected its cargo flows to the ports of Russia. According to information obtained by IAA PortNews, oil products flow via Great Port of Saint-Petersburg while fertilizers are distributed among ports in various sea basins, as expected. Such a logistics reduces the competitiveness of Belarus’ exports.

The peak growth of transportation rates was seen in 2020 when shipping rates surged 5-6 times. The problems of the transport industry aggravated in the post-pandemic period with the escalation of the situation in Ukraine. Sanctions imposed on Russia significantly affected export/import transportation of southern republics’ cargoes. Khakim Matchanov, Chairman of Uzbek International Forwarders Association (UIFA), tells about the development of new logistics corridors

Despite the dramatic events in the gas sector, liquefied natural gas (LNG) is still the most promising type of marine fuel on the mid-term horizon. That was the conclusion of the key market players and experts who met at the 6th LNG Fleet, LNG Bunkering and Alternatives conference.

Russia’s western gate is still being used for coal exports despite the EU embargo imposed in August. Over 30 days of October, loading of export coal bound for the North-Western ports grew by 8.6%, year-on-year, to 4.6 million tonnes. That can be explained by the easing of sanctions pressure on EU shipping companies. According to analysts, high loading of the Eastern Polygon is the key factor.

On the one hand, methanol is considered to be one of the most promising types of marine fuel, on the other hand, it is being criticized as a toxic fuel. Besides, wide application of it is hindered by a shortage of production facilities and the related infrastructure. The surge of natural gas prices boosts the interest to methanol. This review covers worldwide introduction of methanol as a marine fuel in 2022.

With EU embargo on imports of Russian oil effective from December 5, the tanker fleet will be obviously redirected to cargo supplies to Asia. Shipbroker Braemar expects that to entail the need for more ships. According to Lloyd’s List referring to Braemar analysts, Russia will need a capacity equivalent to nearly 300 Aframaxes for its oil transportation to the APR region.

In view of the eastward pivot of logistics, Arctic shipping is to play its role by unloading overburdened railway infrastructure. However, that requires subsidies and essential capital investments. Can Russia cope with such expenses in the current situation?

Russian shipbuilding through the Icelander’s eyes: Icelandic company Nautic Ehf came to Russia almost five years ago having established a design bureau focused on creation of fishing ships according to European standards. In his interview with IAA PortNews, Alfred Tulinius, Chief Designer and Chairman of the company, explains why it is interesting and profitable for a European company to work in Russia

Over the recent months, Bronka, the only deep-water port in Saint-Petersburg, has been handling primarily Belarusian potash. The terminal’s capacity is just used to handle about 1 million tonnes of fertilizers while the port’s design capacity taking into account the programme for modernization of railway infrastructure can be as high as 23 million tonnes. As the market players told IAA PortNews, the port development is expected to be revised.

Despite all the ups and downs in the energy market, the trend towards alternative fuels in shipping is firm. Among the most promising types of fuel for the future shipping is ammonia. What has been done for the development of the related technologies and infrastructure since the beginning of 2022?