News
June 23, 2011
"Rosmorport" developed a project for reconstruction of the port of Vyborg (Leningrad region)
"Rosmorport" developed a project for reconstruction of federal property in the port of Vyborg (Leningrad region). This was announced by director of the Northwest branch of the river basin "Rosmorport" Sergei Pylin.
According to him, the age of some of the berths is more than 150 years, and about 50% of berthing front is in poor condition. Project designed by "Rosmorport" provides for reconstruction of berths ¹ ¹ 2-5 and ¹ ¹ 11-13, dredging of the water area and the reconstruction of the approach channel. Currently the project is going through the examination.
It is planned to restore 750 linear meters of berthing front, increasing precipitation at the entrance for 1 m to the level of 7.5 m. The project turnover of the port after the reconstruction will increase by 2.6 times - up to 3 million tons per year. It is assumed that containers, general and Ro-Ro cargo will prevail in the port, coal and other environmentally problematic cargo will be shifted to the port of Ust-Luga and Vysotsk (Leningrad region).
In addition, passenger transportation and yacht tourism are planned to be developed in the port.
Port of Vyborg was founded at the intersection of waterways between the Gulf of Finland, a shipping system of Lake Saimaa and River Vuoksa. Navigation in the freezing port lasts all year round. The total area of the port is 16.2 hectares. At present the port has 13 berths (total length is of 1480 linear meters) along the coastline of the Gulf of Vyborg. Throughput of the port in 2010 was 1.1 million tons.
June 20, 2011
Russia, Azerbaijan and Iran are working on issues concerning the construction of the railway within the framework of the North - South corridor
Russia, Azerbaijan and Iran "are working on the financing of railway construction in the North - South transport corridor", said the Minister of Transport of Russia Igor Levitin.
According to him, this work is carried out in accordance with the memorandum of understanding on financing a new transportation route signed by the parties. To implement the above Russia, Azerbaijan and Iran signed an agreement establishing the joint venture which will be headquartered in Moscow, and its branches - in Baku and Tehran.
The total cost of the project is $ 400 million. Part of the funds is planned to be raised at the expense of the banks of participating countries, and some should be borrowed in international and regional financial institutions.
The project of transport corridor North - South involves the construction of the railway crossing from Azerbaijan's Astara to the eponymous village in Iran, laying of railway Astara - Qazvin - Rasht in Iran. The parties have not yet reported the timing of the project. However, we know that they are planning to carry up to 20 million tons of cargo per year through the corridor in the future.
June 17, 2011
Roszheldor identified priorities in the task of development of container transportation in Russia
The Head of Roszheldor Gennady Petrakov identified several key priorities in solving problems that the industry is facing in the development of container and piggyback transportation. According to the press service of Roszheldor, Gennady Petrakov adressed a meeting of the State Duma Committee on Transport dedicated to this issue.
The Head of Roszheldor noted the formation of competitive tariff conditions of container traffic as a priority in domestic and international communication. According to him, "another part of the development of container terminal logistics terminal and logistics complex, providing recycling containers and accelerating their delivery." A large-scale construction of terminal and logistics centers is planned in the major transport hubs in Russia; they will provide the full range of terminal, warehouse and customs processing services of different types of containers and cargo. The result will be a complex development of terminal facilities for handling of containers throughout Russia for the maximum satisfaction of the growing demand for container transportation, according to the report of Roszheldor.
Gennady Petrakov stressed the importance of service quality and the principle of "just in time". In his opinion, we should offer the market new "high-speed container routes", which can remove container traffic ranges from a thousand miles or more from road transport.
June 16, 2011
Expert: Restrictions on the heat will disrupt the delivery of goods from Europe Since yesterday, in Russia there are time limits for trucks, traveling on federal highways. According to the order of the Federal Road Agency, it is prohibited for heavy trucks to travel on these roads from 9 to 21 hours if the temperature exceeds 32 degrees until August 15. In the North-West region almost all major routes in the Leningrad region are included in the list of federal roads, which are under the rules of temporary restrictions.
Deputy Chief of the Association of International Carriers in the North-West Constantine Sharshakov notes that the infrastructure for drivers in Russia exists "neither in summer, nor in winter." "It is unlikely that in the Northwest the temperature will be 32 Celsius in the shade, so the region's economy will hardly be affected by the introduction of the provisional rules. However, there is a sad moment: the delivery of foreign goods is under strict customs, for example, transporting goods from Finland to Moscow must take two days at the very outside. But in the Central Region probability of temperatures above 32 degrees is not so small. And that means that the carrier may be stuck there - Sharshakov says. He regrets that the Ministry of Transportation and the Federal Customs Service do not coordinate their plans with each other.
Executive Director of American Chamber of Commerce in St. Petersburg Maria Chernobrovkina notes that in recent years the climate of North-West is prone to anomalies, and therefore “it is impossible to predict accurately whether the temperature will exceed 32 degrees”.
"This decision of Rosavtodor may lead to collapse and congestion at border customs check, which service is already slow. On the roads a situation could be repeated similar to one in winter in the port which arrived because of ice conditions. A delay of even a single truck can affect the functioning of the whole enterprise, which will stop the conveying process,"- said Chernobrovkina.
Let us recall that there are temporary traffic restrictions for heavy trucks on federal highways in the Russian Federation from June 15 to August 15. According to the order adopted by Rosavtodor, if the daytime temperature exceeds 32 degrees, trucks will not be able to travel on federal roads from 9 to 21 hours.
June 15, 2011
Containerized cargo’s volume of overload at sea ports of Russia for the period of January-May increased by 23.5% to 15.91 million tonnes
Volume overload of containerized cargo at sea ports of Russia for January-May 2011 increased to 23.5% compared to the same period of 2010 and amounted to 15.91 million tones.
In the twenty-foot calculating the volume of transshipment of containerized cargo amounted to 1.87 million TEUs and has grown over the same period by 41.9%. The growth of container cargo overload was marked in all directions. 0.82 million TEU (+46.6%) was overloaded in the export direction, 0.86 million TEU (+44.7%) - import, in cabotage - 0.17 million TEU (+11.2%) and in the transit - of 9 thousand TEUs (4.2 times).
The share of container overload in the import direction amounted to 46.1%, in the export direction - 44.1%, in cabotage - 9.3%, in the transit direction - 0.5%.
Container flows of the Arctic Basin amounted to 0.04 million TEUs (an increase over the same period amounted to 0.6%), the Baltic Sea - 1.12 million TEUs (+42.8%), the Black and Azov - 0.28 million TEU (+56.2%), the Pacific - 0.42 million TEUs ( +37.4%), overload in the Caspian Basin has remained the same as last year.
The main share of container cargo passes through the Russian port of St. Petersburg - 52.4%. At the same time, the best growth rates recorded in container overload in the ports of Kaliningrad and Novorossiysk (by 1.6 times).
June 14, 2011
The Russian government has introduced the agreement on the regulation of access to rail transport within the CEA to the State Duma to ratify it.
The Russian government on Saturday introduced a draft of the law “On ratification of Agreement on the regulation of access to rail transport, including the basics of tariff policy” to the State Duma.
Agreement was prepared in order to implement the plan of action for forming the Common Economic Area / CEA.
The agreement is aimed at ensuring consumer access in Belarus, Kazakhstan and Russia to rail transport services during the implementation of the transportation across the territory of each of the parties in terms no less favorable than those created for the consumers in each country: a balance between the economic interests of consumers of rail services and the organizations of railway transport of the parties, and also ensuring the conditions for access of rail transport organizations of one country to the domestic market of railway transport services of the other country.
The agreement extends into the relationship between the organizations of railway transport, consumers, and governments of Belarus, Kazakhstan and Russia with regard to rail services. The provisions of the agreement shall not affect rights and obligations of parties under other international treaties to which they belong.
From January 1, 2015 under the agreement the parties shall ensure access of the carriers of the parties to infrastructure services with the following principles: equality of requirements to the carriers, established by the legislation of each of the parties; providing proper technical conditions of railway rolling stock used by the carriers; providing access to infrastructure services within the infrastructure capacity, based on the technical and technological capacities; holding of a single pricing / tariff / policy of infrastructure services for the carriers; availability of information about the list of infrastructure services, the order of their performance, costs, charges and fees for these services for all members of the transportation process on rail transport.
June 14, 2011
International experts will discuss transportation issues in Yerevan
Meeting of the Committee for Liaison of the Eurasian countries with the International Road Transport Union (IRU), which will be attended by representatives of the CIS, will take place in Yerevan on Tuesday, said the Ministry of Transport and Communication of Armenia.
Issues related to freight and transportation, and also the problems of providing all kinds of permits and quotas are included in the meeting agenda.
A memorandum of understanding for the development of motor transport on the territory of Armenia, Asia, Europe and major world markets will be signed between the Ministry of Transport of Armenia and IRU.
International Road Transport Union (IRU) is a global organization dealing with vehicles’ problems in 68 countries on four continents. IRU protects the interests of the industry as a whole regardless of whether the issues is passenger or freight transport, and represents the interests of all transport operators - the carriers of buses, taxis and trucks.
IRU was founded in 1948. Headquarters is located in Geneva (Switzerland). There are two offices - in Brussels and Moscow, which carry out and coordinate the policies of IRU, respectively, in the European Union and in the Commonwealth of Independent States. Armenia became a member of the IRU in 1999.
June 10, 2011
Russia will take a quarter of cargo to Latvia from Poland
"The next important task for Latvia and Russia, after signing the ratified agreement today (June 9) with Russia for the avoidance of double taxation - is a possible agreement on mutual protection of investments", - noted the Economy Minister Artis Kampars at the Council on the Latvian-Russian Business passing in Liepaja.
The Minister noted that the Council meeting on business cooperation in Liepaja is held simultaneously with the annual summit of the EU and Russia, which is devoted to economic cooperation and will be held in Nizhny Novgorod. "On Friday, June 10, during the summit a declaration on bilateral cooperation with Latvia will be signed, and it will be the first of the Baltic countries to join the initiative of the EU and Russia, which purpose is expansion and deepening of interstate economic cooperation", - he said.
Among the most actual issues of the Latvian-Russian economic cooperation Kampars called questions of transport and logistics, as well as border crossings. It is also important to promote regional cooperation, he added.
After the meeting of the Latvian-Russian Business Council possibilities of joint agreement in the field of trucking were identified. "Russia promises to send every fourth load, now traveling in transit to Europe through Poland, to the port of Liepaja, that will require a new line of cargo ferries between Liepaja and one of Europe (most likely German) ports," - said the member of Liepaja City Duma Janis Vilnitis. It is assumed that on Friday, June 10, at a meeting of the Latvian-Russian Intergovernmental Commission a protocol of intent cargo through the port of Liepaja will be signed. Vilnitis expressed the hope that this intention of Russia is not a short term project to teach a lesson to Poland that increased fees for transit of goods.
A potential operator needed for this ferry service known informally as the company Scandlines, whose ferries now ply the route Liepaja - Travemunde (Germany). Another possible operator is Ave Line company, which opened a ferry line on the same route in November 2008, but in late 2010 the ferries stopped moving along this route, and later the company organized such route from Riga. "The Ave Line has a strong lobby in Russia, so there are concerns about the fact that the ferry companies will have equal conditions. Liepaja does not want to lose the ferry line Scandlines", - said Vilnitis.
On June 9-10 in Liepaja the next meetings are held: 5th meeting of the Latvian-Russian intergovernmental commission, the meeting of the Council for Business Cooperation of Latvia and Russia and a business forum of entrepreneurs of both countries, organized by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Ministry of Economy, the Latvian Confederation of Employers, the Latvian Investment and Development Agency and the Liepaja City Duma. Latvian-Russian intergovernmental commission is headed by Kampars and Russian Transport Minister Igor Levitin.
June 10, 2011
Projects to improve transport system of the Pskov region are represented in Latvia
Governor of the Pskov region Andrei Turchak participated in the fifth Intergovernmental Russian-Latvian commission on economic, scientific-technical, humanitarian and cultural cooperation. The meeting was held on June 10 in the city of Liepaja (Latvia).
During the event, head of the region presented a vision of two large-scale projects developed under the international programme of cross-border co-operation “Estonia-Latvia-Russia”. One of them is "The development of logistics and public services in the territory of the regional airports in Pskov and Daugavpils," it is aimed at ensuring the efficient operation of the international airport of the city of Pskov "Kresty". According to Andrei Turchak, this project will enhance security, improve the quality of passenger service and allow servicing the aircraft of foreign manufacture. The governor noted that the Pskov region is the only Russian region bordering the three states, this is why project ideas for improving the transport infrastructure of border areas are priorities and are supported by regional authorities.
The second project is the arrangement of checkpoints Brunishevo and Vientuli, this will increase their capacity and help to equip them in accordance with modern international standards.
Latvia has traditionally been one of the major trading partners of the Pskov region and one of the major investor countries. In September 2010, in Riga an agreement on economic cooperation between the Administration of Pskov Region and the Ministry of Economy of Latvia was signed.
June 9, 2011
Vladimir Putin instructed FAS and the Ministry of Economic Development to develop the abolition of state regulation of services in ports
Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin has instructed the Ministry of Economic Development and the Federal Antimonopoly Service (FAS) to develop the abolition of state regulation of tariffs for loading and unloading, and storage of cargo in ports by early 2012. This was reported in the party "United Russia", headed by Putin. Instruction was given during yesterday's meeting with leaders of transport associations.
Putin stressed that this area “needs to be deregulated” as tariffs established by government hinder its development. He added that this decision should not harm the interests of shippers and consignees.
Putin ordered to accelerate the experiment on deregulation of tariffs implementing by the Federal Tariff Service (FTS) in the Big Port of St. Petersburg and complete it before the end of 2011.
June 8, 2011
Russia and Latvia will discuss issues of improving infrastructure of transport corridor Riga - Moscow on June 10
In Liepaja, on June 10, 2011 a meeting of the Intergovernmental Russian-Latvian commission on economic, scientific-technological, humanitarian and cultural cooperation will take place. According to the press service of the Ministry of Transport of Russia, among other things, participants of the meeting will discuss issues of improving the infrastructure of multimodal transport corridor Riga - Moscow and perspectives of development of transit in this corridor.
The Russian part of the intergovernmental commission is headed by the Transport Minister Igor Levitin. His working visit to Latvia will start on June 9. Chairman of the Commission from the Latvian side is the Minister of Economy of Latvia Artis Kampars.
The agenda includes discussions on improving the legal framework of cooperation, trade, economic and regional cooperation, and also cooperation in transport and humanitarian spheres. After the meeting the parties are expected to sign a joint declaration on partnership in the name of modernization and the final protocol.
The visit of Igor Levitin also includes participation in the meeting of the Latvian-Russian Business Council and a working meeting with the Minister of Communications of Latvia Uldis Augulis. As expected, the ministers will discuss cooperation between Russia and Latvia in the sphere of transport industry and the prospects for implementing a number of joint infrastructure projects. In addition, Igor Levitin intends to get acquainted with the work of the Liepaja Special Economic Zone and the shipyard Tosmare.
June 6, 2011
Vladimir Putin instructed to develop projects on increasing the capacity of the Baikal/Amur railway and the trans-Siberian railway
Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin has instructed the Ministry of Transport to develop expansion projects of infrastructural capacity of the trans-Siberian Railway and the Baikal/Amur railway.
"It has probably been done enough for the first phase of reconstruction, but rapidly growing commodity circulation between Russia and APR countries suggests that it is necessary to consider the measures of increasing throughput capability of both - the Baikal/Amur railway and the Trans-Siberian", - Putin said.
"Bearing in mind the development of Yakutia and the East Siberian regions of Russia, it is obvious that the existing infrastructure capabilities in the coming years will not be enough" - the Prime Minister said.
"The state is investing rather big money; I expect that the quality and the price of these objects will meet the interests of the State. Everything must be done to minimize costs, not jack up prices, but to do everything on time and in a quality manner,"- the Prime Minister said.
June 3, 2011
Tunneling through a mountain range of the Sikhote-Alin on the Far Eastern Railway is completed
In the spurs of the Sikhote-Alin the builders of Kuznetsovsky tunnel has completed the penetration of the main mine gallery today. Powerful tunneling system of Italian company Lovat overcame the last meters of rocks between the West and East tunnel portals. Pass-through tunnel length of 3.9 km and a diameter of almost 10 meters is broken through.
The heads of the embassy of Russian President in the Far Eastern federal district, the executive and legislative authorities, the Far Eastern Railway, the Federal Railway Transport Agency and other significant guests were witnessing this memorable event with the principals of the construction.
Large-scale project "Reconstruction of the railway line Komsomolsk-on-Amur - Sovetskaya Gavan with the construction of a new Kuznetsovsky tunnel" has been implementing by RZD since 2007. The cost of the project is about 60 billion rubles; its implementation is supported by the RF Investment Fund, the share of which amounts to 17.5 billion rubles. The main volume of capital investments accounts for the company RZD.
The old Kuznetsovsky tunnel built during the Great Patriotic War, became a major barrier to the development of the capacity of a railway from Komsomolsk-on-Amur to the port of Sovetskaya Gavan and Vanino. Steep and long slope of the path does not allow to hold the train weighing more than 4 thousand tons, even when drawn by three locomotives.
The new tunnel is expected to be commissioned in 2012. It will allow passing the trains with weight of 6 thousand tons, increasing carrying capacity area to 23 million tons of cargo. Now limiting volume - 16.5 million tons per year. After completing a 4-year renovation project of the Komsomolsk-on-Amur - Sovetskaya Gavan the carrying capacity will be 35.7 million tons per year. In the future the task of carrying will be increased to 100 million tons per year.
June 2, 2011
Automobile checkpoint Kraskino will be commissioned in December 2011
Automobile cargo and passenger checkpoint Kraskino will be commissioned on time - said the Deputy Head of Rosgranitsa Boris Khaytovych at the meeting of members of the Rosgranitsa Collegium in Vladivostok. - I do not see any questions; construction of the facility is in compliance with the terms. Currently works on preparing the building site and the zero cycle works are completed. Completion of the work on the object on the whole is scheduled for December 2011.
The registration of land adjacent to the checkpoints on entry and exit is completing, as well as addressing the issue of the transfer of land from the category of protected lands to industry and other special purposes. Project documentation is developed by FSUE GIPRORI RAS and transferred to the Vladivostok branch of Rosgranstroy. Construction began in January 2011. By today's date preparatory cycle is 100% complete, excavation, leveling - is 47% complete, a zero cycle works on individual buildings checkpoint are in progress.
Rosgranitsa delegation visited the construction site of Kraskino yesterday, on June 1.
Let us recall that a joint meeting of members of the Collegium of the Federal Agency for Development of State Border of the Russian Federation took place on June 2, 2011 in Vladivostok.
Participants discussed the infrastructure construction of checkpoints involved in the preparation and holding of the APEC summit in 2012, and also problems of arrangement and design of land to accommodate them.
Rosgranitsa performed design and construction of 7 points of passing the state border of the Russian Federation as involved in the preparation and holding of the APEC Summit 2012: Vladivostok (Knevichi), Khabarovsk (New), Vladivostok, Vostochny, Nakhodka, Pogranichny, Kraskino.
May 31, 2011
The bill on support for Russian shipping and shipbuilding is submitted to the State Duma
The bill on support for Russian shipping and shipbuilding (the bill "On Amendments to Certain Legislative Acts of the Russian Federation in connection with the implementation of measures to support the Russian shipbuilding and shipping) is submitted by the Government of the Russian Federation to the State Duma. This was reported to the specialized news portal "Russian shipping" by the president of the self-regulating organization “Association of Shipping Companies” (ASC) Aleksey Klyavin. He recalled that the bill is prepared by the Russian Transport Ministry and the Ministry of Industry with the participation of USC and representatives of major Russian shipping companies, including members of the ASC. The document was approved by the Presidium of the Russian Government on May 17, 2011.
"The members of the shipping community hope that the bill will be carried over for consideration in the first reading in the State Duma in June 2011", - added the President of ASC.
The bill on support for Russian shipping and shipbuilding will create a favorable competitive environment for the operation of the fleet under the Russian flag; it will make Russian ship owners interested in building a fleet on the Russian shipyards, and consequently, create conditions for the growth of competitiveness of the Russian shipbuilding industry at the world market and domestic markets.
As Deputy Minister of Transport of the Russian Federation Viktor Olersky who led the work on the bill commented previously "the only way for the development of domestic shipping is a creation of a joint law on support of shipping and shipbuilding. Only by combining of the two industries in one bill and proposing specific measures of support we can get the desired result."
May 30, 2011
A new berth is put into operation at the container terminal of the Fourth Stevedoring Company (St. Petersburg)
A berth 101-B of 257 m length and 11,5 m depth is put into the production operation at the container terminal of “Fourth Stevedoring Company” on May 26, 2011. This was reported by the press office of the Sea Port St. Petersburg which includes the FSC.
With the introduction of a new berth overall length of the quay wall of the terminal has increased to 477 m. In view of the existing production equipment the container terminal of the FSC can simultaneously produce processing of two vessels.
Container Terminal of JSC "Fourth Stevedoring Company" is equipped with 4 container cranes STS, 10 RTG-cranes, automatic loaders of 3 tons lifting capacity and other technological equipment. The first cargo handling after the modernization of productive capacities of the terminal was held on December 25, 2010. Currently, the terminal works with the lines of Team Lines, APL, Sea Connect, Maersk, MSC, Delta Shipping Lines. The volume of cargo processed by the terminal is of 24 thousand 650 TEUs on May 25, 2011.
May 30, 2011
The ”Suhoy” port has been officially presented
Last Saturday, the official ceremony of the commissioning of a multifunctional complex took place, the complex belongs to LLC “Yanino Logistics Park”, which is part of a group of companies Global Ports investments Plc.
"The Russian Federation is organically incorporated in the international transport corridors, both European and Asian. Object that we are witnessing is just a system that allows very efficient uses of ports’ areas that will be reduced in large cities."
Running of the terminal was followed by sending a container train to the territory of the marine container terminal JSC Petrolespot, which also is a member of Global Ports. According to the General Director of “Logistics Park Yanino” Valery Mestulov, the shuttle will leave Yanino with twice a week, on Wednesdays and Saturdays.
The first container trains were sent from Yanino in December last year. In April, the terminal took about 30 trains. The train left on Saturday was the 26th in May. Trains leave from the rear of the terminal to the PLP, as well as inland.
If Baltic customs bonded warehouse is organized on the territory of Yanino, it will be possible to deliver the goods under the simplified procedure of moving from a large port. It is also possible that there will be just two TSWs. Currently, a temporary storage warehouse Rostek-Yanino (a joint venture of logistics park Yanino and ROSTEK North-West) is located in the area of customs post "Yaninsky" of St. Petersburg Customs.
The representatives of the Logistics Park Yanino note that at this time two-thirds of the object are built. A container yard is equipped on the terminal, there is a playground for the storage of general cargo, and the total length of railway infrastructure is 4 km. On the territory of the indoor there is a cold-proof, but not heated warehouse. Part of the vacant areas is leased to the company Evrorent, which operates on the market of crane equipment. In Yanino the construction of gas station is going on, commissioning of which must take place within a year.
May 27, 2011
Customs and logistics terminal will be created at the Russian-Chinese border
Customs and logistics terminal "Pogranichny" will be created at the Russian-Chinese border. According to the press service of the Far Eastern Customs Department, Russian Federal Customs Service Commission of implementing the concept of customs arrangement and customs control of goods in areas close to the state border of the Russian Federation has recognized the establishment of the terminal with the relevant provisions of the concept.
"Pogranichny" is created on the basis of the existing temporary storage company “Rostek – Primorye” in the immediate vicinity of the automobile checkpoint "Pogranichny" of the Ussuri customs. A full cycle of customs arrangement with the use of Internet-declaration, prior notification and remote release will be implemented at the terminal. It is planned that the first phase of the terminal will receive and process more than 90 vehicles on a daily basis. This will increase the capacity of the checkpoint "Pogranichny".
Ussuriysk Customs decided to place a structural unit of the customs post "Pogranichny" in temporary storage warehouse of the company “Rostek – Primorye”. The company gave a technically equipped premise to the Customs.
May 26, 2011
Bill on support of the Russian shipbuilding and shipping will reduce the average payback period of the vessel from 20 to 12 years - Olersky
The bill on support of Russian shipbuilding and shipping (the bill "On Amendments to Certain Legislative Acts of the Russian Federation in connection with the implementation of measures to support the Russian shipbuilding and shipping) is approved by the Presidium of the Russian Federation. As commented by Deputy Minister of Transport of the Russian Federation Viktor Olersky, who led the work on the bill, the document will reduce the average payback period of the vessel from 20 to 12 years. "Economics of the vessel is determined by its price and the cost of its operation. Our calculations, adjusted with the calculations of ship owners, show that the existing laws can reduce the payback period of the vessel to an average of 20 years. But this is not enough to make an investment decision. If the amendment to reduce the production cost of our shipyards is adopted, the payback of the vessel will get close to 12 years. This is the period of investment return in terms of which the ship owner is absolutely ready to seriously consider placing an order at the Russian shipyard and, most importantly, to make this decision", - said Olersky.
He also outlined the main points that caused the creation of a new branch of law: "The state, seeking not only to preserve but also to derive the new qualitative level of domestic shipping and shipbuilding, has taken several steps to support the fleet. Several years ago, the Federal Law "On the Russian International Register of Ships", designed to create favorable conditions for the work of fleet under the Russian flag was adopted, the United Shipbuilding Corporation was created, a system of public financial instruments was launched. But, as practice shows, these measures do not drastically change the situation in the industry. Shipping is an absolutely competitive environment. Therefore, solutions that promote the development of the industry must be made guided by market-based approaches. That is why I believe that the only way for the development of domestic shipping is creation of a joint law and support of shipping and shipbuilding. Only by combining the two industries in one bill and proposing specific measures of support, we can get the desired result."
The new bill has been prepared jointly by the Ministry of Transport and Ministry of Industry and with representatives of the Department of Structural Engineering and shipping companies. Document was agreed with interested federal executive bodies, approved by the Bureau of the Government of the Russian Federation and in conformity with the request of the Russian President Dmitry Medvedev, it will be submitted to the State Duma to the end of May 2011.
"I am sure that the deputies will support the bill. At least, after preliminary consultations, this is the feeling we had, "- added Olersky.
May 25, 2011
Railways will support the affordability of services for shippers – V. Reshetnikov
JSC RZD is implementing a number of measures aimed at a balanced solution to problems of maintaining the affordability of services to shippers, development of competition among operating companies and increasing of investment in rolling stock,"- said senior vice-president Valery Reshetnikov at the meeting of the Commission on Natural Monopolies of the Federation Council on Tuesday.
In particular, RZD retained responsibility for considering applications for freight wagons in the inventory of the park in terms of its actual existence in order to minimize the risks of transition to a market model of freight transport and not let prices for services for the provision of cars increase. Thus, the company is going through phased transfer of cars to the authorized capital of JSC “Second Freight Company”.
In addition, as recommended by the Federal Antimonopoly Service of Russia, JSC RZD, JSC "First Freight Company", JSC "Second Freight Company" signed regulations aimed at non-decline of shippers’ state in matters of receiving applications for transportation and applied tariffs for the period prior to sale controlling stake of the "First Freight Company".
"As a result of these and other activities we have not only increased the traffic load on the economy, but also provided in 2010 its decline in many kinds of industrial products. The transport component (at the rate for the inventory of the park) in the final price of coal was reduced by 9%, oil - by 13%, iron ore - more than 30%, fertilizers - by 17%, grain - nearly 30% ", - said a senior Vice-President.
Reshetnikov said that a significant factor in the cost of transporting goods is the price of new cars. Power wagon enterprises can not fully meet the needs of the market. With such an imbalance of supply and demand car building companies overprice their products, and train operating companies have to consider increasing their costs in paying for the services provided to shippers.
As a consequence, the cost of cars only for 2010 has increased by an average of 1.2 to 2.1 million rubles, or slightly less than 2 times. Similar trends are observed the current year - with growth of 10-20%. At the same time the prices of basic components increase. In 2010, prices for major steel car casting on the Russian market increased 2,5-3 times relative to the level of December 2009.
"The state now faces the task of analyzing reasons for the sharp increase in the cost of cars and the development of effective measures to neutralize the influence of biased increase in prices for cars. We know that this issue is actively being worked out by the Transport Ministry and the Federal Antimonopoly Service of Russia", - concluded Reshetnikov.
May 24, 2011
Insurers may be obliged to weigh trucks on the highway
Transport Minister Igor Levitin proposed to transfer the function of controlling the weight of trucks and wagons to the insurance companies at the conference of road workers and motorists in MADI. The Minister said that insurers will be able to find the owners of trucks smashing the road that they insure sooner than anyone else. Now the Federal Service for Transport Supervision (Rostransnadzor) is engaged in the question of the weight control of trucks. However, the car moving on the territory of Russia can be stopped for checking only by the traffic police inspector and Rostransnadzor can stop the car which goes on international relocation only with the help of a policeman.
Soon insurers will have more work to do: the procedure of technical inspection of cars is also planned to be shifted to them.
May 23, 2011
The State Duma adopted amendments to simplify the passage of foreign small-sized vessels through inland water ways in the I reading
On May, 20 2011 The State Duma of the Russian Federation, approved in first reading a bill on amending the Code of Inland Water Transport, facilitating the access of foreign sport and pleasure boats to the internal territorial waters of Russia. According to the press service of Russian Yachting Federation, 435 deputies supported the document.
It is planned that by the end of the spring session of the State Duma a bill will be considered in the second and third readings. Facilitation of the access of foreign vessels to inland water ways of Russia is expected by 2012. This is due to the fact that after the adoption of amendments to the Russian Code of Inland Water Transport it will be necessary to take a number of sub-legal acts to make the new law work.
The bill provides that navigation on inland water ways including sporting and cultural and pleasure aims of vessels under flags of foreign countries with the total number of persons on board not more than 18 people, including passengers of a total of not more than 12 people, should be carried out in accordance with the rules of navigation of inland waterway vessels under the flags of foreign countries, including sports and cultural aims established by the Government of the Russian Federation.
The current procedure for access of sporting and recreational vessels under the flags of foreign countries in Russian inland water ways implies a special permit in the form of a government instruction and coordination of 11 ministries and departments including the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the FSB, the Ministry of Defense and the Ministry of Agriculture. This is an outdated procedure and it takes at least 3 months.
Russian inland water ways has been closed for vessels under foreign flags since 1937. I can say that the finish of the race round the world Volvo Ocean Race 2008-2009 exacerbated the problem. For the access to the waters of the Neva of 7 yachts participating in the race, the organizing committee had to sign permits on the level of the government of the Russian Federation. Regional Sailing Federation can not organize an international regatta, for example, in the Primorsky krai, at the Black Sea or the Baltic, our fellow competitors simply can not come to Russia to take part in the sailing races. Instead of holding competitions in their own country, our sailors are forced to go abroad to improve their athletic skills.“Resolving this issue would also allow developing tourism infrastructure much more intensively, both in coastal cities, and within the country, it will bring new job places and contribute to the development of regions. Russian budget loses millions of dollars. The procedure itself should take no longer than one week (similar to obtaining an entry visa) and be simple and understandable to foreign owners of sport sailing ships, “- says the chairman of the supervisory board, Governor of the Tver region Dmitry Zelenin.
The Russian Yachting Federation sees its task as organizing a system of access to sport and recreational vessels in a way that it would be no more difficult than access to Russia by car, said in the report of the Federation.
Let us recall that the bill "On Amendments to the Code of inland waterway transport" was introduced by the State Duma in 2010.
May 20, 2011
Customs and health services are ready for transfer of control to external frontier of the Customs Union from July 1 - Putin
"Heads of customs and sanitary services confirmed that they are ready to transfer control to the external frontier of the Customs Union from July 1, 2011. All that is necessary to launch a single economic space from January 1, 2012. We are going to create a single market with uniform legislation, coordinated economic and social policies, harmonious use of technological and human resources of our countries", - said Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin during the meeting of CIS governments in Minsk yesterday, reported Russian media.
Let us recall that since April 1, 2011 among the member countries of the Customs Union (Russia, Kazakhstan, Belarus) traffic control is stopped. Since July 1, customs will be carried out on the outer contour of the Customs Union, thus, being common to everyone.
May 19, 2011
The container boom in St. Petersburg
Container throughput of the Big port of St. Petersburg has amounted to 744,589 TEU for 4 months this year, which is 35.4%.higher than last year.
The throughput was increased in all terminals except the First Stevedoring Company (-38.6%). Probably freight traffic flow has been partially transferred to the new terminal of the “Fourth Stevedoring Company”, which is as well as "Perstiko", is a member of the group “Sea Port of St. Petersburg”. The throughput of "Fourth Stevedoring Company" by the results of 4 months of this year was slightly higher than 27 thousand TEU. Container throughput of the "Second Stevedoring Company" has grown 3,1 times.
The first container terminal increased the throughput of container for 4 months by 4,7%, “Petrolesport” - by 88,1%, “Moby Dick” - by 75,6%, “Rusmarine” - by 38,7%, “Neva-Metal” - by 4,3%.
In April of this year stevedores of the Big St. Petersburg port handled 234,037 TEU – this is 27,9% more than in March of this year. Compared with April 2010 the growth rate is of 49.4%.
In severe winter navigation the lines redistributed volumes; many have increased the number of entrance terminals. Thus, Maersk and Unifeeder came to "Moby Dick".
Moreover, the terminal of "Fourth Stevedoring Company" that has started operating drew Delta Shipping, Maersk, APL and Team Lines, Sea Connect and Atlantic Ro-Ro Carriers.
May 19, 2011
A separate organization should prepare the territory for transportation infrastructure facilities – Igor Levitin
Preparation of territory for the construction of transport infrastructure facilities must be carried out by a separate organization.
This was stated by the Transport Minister Igor Levitin at the joint conference of the Public Council at the Federal Road Agency and the Public Chamber of the Russian Federation, "Improving the efficiency of construction and operation of highways in Russia."
He stressed that at present this is the function of the company, which won the tender for the construction, while it is a separate kind of activity. "I think it's wrong. We must have a separate structure, may be in the Ministry of Transport, which would be engaged in preparation of such areas ", - said Igor Levitin. Moreover, he noted that this applies not only to building roads, but also other transport infrastructure facilities, such as airports.
May 18, 2011
President urged to restore regional air transportationRussian President Dmitry Medvedev called on to urged to restore regional air transportation and high-speed railway service. "Undoubtedly, these programmes do exist, they are not closed" - he said today at the news conference, referring to the programme of development of railway transport and transport development strategy up to 2015.
"These multibillion programmes will be implemented," - said the President. "We need to restore regional transportation to ensure that aircraft parks will be built in the regions, it is necessary to take planes on lease and run them into operation," - he said.
"As for railway transport, merely one programme of the railways development “RZD” is around 350 billion rubles a year," - said the president. "This is big money that needs to be spent properly, and I'm sure it will bring results," - he said.
Medvedev mentioned the development of expressways and railways. "We definitely need to do this" - he said. "We must not lose competitive advantages, we must maintain a unified area of our country, our economy", - he stressed. "We need to invest money," - said the Head of State.
May 17, 2011
Control over the shipping of GDP after the opening to foreign ships will be carried out ACS "SEA".
At the opening of the inland waterways (GDP) of Russia for foreign vessels the automated control system developed by the "SEA" will allow to carry out control functions for the shipping.
ACS "SEA" is an integrated system of information provision, working in the interests of monitoring and governance at sea and inland waterway transport in order to ensure maritime safety, navigation security, and environmental protection from pollution by ships. The system will integrate data from various information systems of sea and river transport with other information systems for the implementation of control functions at the opening of the Russian inland waterways for international shipping. In addition, the system will allow ensuring information exchange with neighboring countries.
Let us recall that in 2010 the Russian government approved a complex of measures to open the inland waterways of the Russian Federation for the navigation of vessels under the flags of foreign countries. Specified complex covers the period up to 2015 and consists of 3 sections: legal regulations activities, activities focused on the development of inland waterways infrastructure and activities to improve the management of inland waterways. At this point, according to the norms of the Code of inland water transport (CIWT), foreign ships must obtain special permission of the Russian government to enter the inland waterways of Russia.
May 16, 2011
First vice-premier Shuvalov has officially opened a new landing strip at the airport of Vladivostok
First vice-premier of the Russian government Igor Shuvalov, who arrived in Vladivostok on the eve with a working visit, inaugurated the landing strip reconstructed in terms of preparation of the capital of Primorye for the APEC Summit 2012.
Shuvalov, together with the Transport Minister Igor Levitin, the Head of the Ministry of Regional Development Viktor Basargin and the Governor of Primorye Sergei Darkin cut the ribbon; right after the stripe was officially put into operation. Up to this point for about one month it acted in a technical test mode. Immediately after the ceremonial start the aircraft Vladivostok Avia landed on the strip, it arrived from Beijing. A few minutes later another liner of the same company went on a trip to St. Petersburg.
Landing strip N1 in Vladivostok is a fourth of the objects registered by the APEC summit. Work on its renovation began in May 2009. The length of the strip was extended to three and a half kilometers; the reconstruction of the coating was carried out. All this will allow the airport of Vladivostok to receive the majority of modern aircraft day and night.
May 13, 2011
In 2011 15 ships may pass in transit through the Northern Sea Route - Sergei Lavrov
In 2011, significant increase in traffic along the Northern Sea Route is expected, the Head of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Russia Sergey Lavrov noted, speaking at the seventh session of the Arctic Council on May 12, 2011. This year, applications are filed for 15 passes in transit through the Northern Sea Route, whereas in 2010 it took only 2 vessels in transit.
"Some experts argue that here we are on the verge of "great change ". We have invited representatives of all Arctic nations to discuss the situation at an international conference that will be held under the auspices of the Russian Security Council on the nuclear icebreaker Yamal in the Northern Sea Route in August this year", - said Sergey Lavrov.
According to him, issues of sea and air transport in the Arctic are also brought to the forefront of the agenda of the Second International Forum of the Arctic "The Arctic - territory of the dialogue", which will be held under the auspices of the Russian Geographical Society in Arkhangelsk on 21st-24th September 2011.
The Arctic Council was established in 1996 to protect the nature of the north polar area. The structure of the organization includes 8 Arctic countries - Denmark, Iceland, Norway, Finland, Sweden, Russia, Canada and the USA. Sweden assumed office of the chair of the Arctic Council on May 12.
May 5, 2011
Olya port will become the main port in the Russian system of corridor “North-South” in the future - Olersky
Sea Port Olya (Caspian Sea, Astrakhan region) in prospect will become the main port in the Russian system of corridor “North-South”. This was stated by Deputy Minister of Transport of the Russian Federation Viktor Olersky during the visiting session of the Sea Collegium of the Russian government in Astrakhan.
According to him the concept of development of the port Olya involves two stages. The first stage - construction of its first cargo area with a turnover of up to 4 million tons per year. This stage ends with the construction of a new grain terminal, the work on building a terminal of handling of oils is carried out, a container terminal is being constructed. In the course of the second stage (horizon to the years 2015-2017) a second cargo area will be build, it will be located south of the first ( it will include a petroleum products terminal and a terminal for coke reloading). After completion of the second stage the trans-shipment capacity of the port Olya will grow to 8 million tons per year.
Olersky recalled that at the end of 2010 turnover of the port Olya totaled 1.1 million tons. The volume of ferrous metals - 94% of the total cargo, grain - 3%, the ferry service - 3%. "It is a small amount, certainly, but, nevertheless, the dynamics is significant", - he said.
Let’s recall that the development of the port Olya is provided by the Federal Target Programme "Development of the transportation system of the Russian Federation for 2010-2015".
May 5, 2011
Shipping companies are losing more than 2 billion rubles per year due to low water levels of the inland waterways of Russia - Aleksey Klyavin
Shipping companies are losing more than 2 billion rubles per year due to low water levels on inland waterways of Russia. This was announced on May 4 by the president of self-regulatory organization (SRO), the Association of Shipping Companies (ASC) Aleksey Klyavin while speaking in Astrakhan at the retreat meeting of the Marine Board of the Russian government.
Lack of guaranteed depth of 4 meters over the waterways in this year leads to loss of valid draft of 40 cm. "Every 10 inches of rain is about 200 tons of cargo on board" - said Klyavin.
In his opinion, the mere solution of infrastructure issues of Russian inland waterways will increase cargo traffic by 5-7 million tons per year. Otherwise, not carried cargo goes to the railway or road. "This means additional 175 cars, that is, a train length of 2,5 thousand km, which will give emissions of greenhouse gases almost 2 times more than of water transport. Or it may be 700 thousand trucks and greenhouse gas emissions almost 10 times more than of river transport, "- gave his reasons the president of ASC.
67.85 million tons of cargo was transported in total in the course of navigation on Russian inland waterways in 2010.
"Ship owners need ensured depth of not less than 4 meters", - said Klyavin. Otherwise, the reduction in loading of the vessel will reduce its return. In its turn, this will increase the period of payback of a new vessel to 20-25 years, the decision on the construction of which the ship owner makes just today. This endangers the development of shipbuilding in the country.
"Therefore, the depth of 4 meters is not only important to increase the volume of cargo traffic, but also to give a real impulse to the development of shipbuilding," - said Klyavin.
May 4, 2011
The Government of the Russian Federation will have considered the bill on support of the domestic shipbuilding until the end of May
The Russian government will have considered a bill aimed at supporting the shipbuilding industry in Russia until the end of May 2011, said Russian Deputy Prime Minister Sergei Ivanov.
"The government will consider the long-awaited bill on support of the domestic shipbuilding industry at the end of the month," - he said.
According to Ivanov, the concept of the bill contains several measures aimed at economic support of the industry, including interest rate subsidies and others. The concept will also include measures to ensure that ship owners would benefit from buying ships at domestic shipyards, and not abroad as they do now.
May 3, 2011
Sovcomflot requests to reduce the tax burden in the process of registration of the ships
State shipping company Sovcomflot requests the Russian government to pass a bill prepared by the relevant agencies, which involves reducing the tax burden while registering the ships of the Russian Federation.
"At the moment, primarily, of course, we would like to see the amendments to the legislation, which increase the competitiveness of the Russian shipbuilding industry, and the Russian shipping ..." - said CEO of the company Sergey Frank during a formal meeting with the Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin.
"To my mind issues related to the tax burden that we have to deal with during the registration of ships of the Russian Federation are critically important at the moment. And issues related to cost are critically important for our shipbuilders. This is, first and foremost - the price of labor, the level of paid social taxes. Of course, they lose to their Korean and Chinese competitors, "- said Sergey Frank.
In his turn, Prime Minister replied that a decision on this issue will be made soon. The head of Sovkomflot has also noted that the company has four times increased the fleet in the period of 2005-2010, which is 12 million dwt. now.
"We balanced an investment program, it amounts to more than $ 5 billion, but we focus and direct it to the needs of Russian oil and gas companies associated with those tasks that we face in the development of the Russian continental shelf", - said Sergey Frank.
April 29, 2011
Low level of water in Tsimlyansk reservoir in 2011 can lead to unprofitability of navigation on the Lower Don – ASC
Planned volumes of filling Tsimlyansk reservoir (the Rostov and the Volgograd region, the Don River) in 2011 to the level of 33.48 m at the project reference of 36 meters can lead to serious complications in the work of Navy on the Lower Don. According to the self-regulatory organization (SRO), the Association of Shipping Companies (ASC), the Association Council, held on April 28 in Moscow discussed the issue and noted that large tankers and cargo ships at this navigation can float down the Lower Don only with draft of less than 320 cm, this leads to a significant reduction of loading of the ship and makes river transportation in the region almost unprofitable. The minimum draft for profitable operation of the fleet is 340 cm.
The council meeting was attended by the Chairman of the Board of ASC – the Chairman of the Board of Directors of JSC "Volga Shipping" Rishat Bagautdinov, the President of ASC Alex Klyavin, the President of the United Shipbuilding Corporation Roman Trotsenko, the Head of the Federal Agency of Sea and River Transport (Rosmorrechflot), Ministry of Transport of the Russian Federation Alexander Davydenko, the Head of Gosmorrechnadzor Vladimir Popov, the Deputy director of the Department of State Policy in the sphere of Sea and River Transport of the Russian Federation Anna Isaeva.
April 29, 2011
Ministry of Transport is considering the issue of development of the concept of national shipping system
Russia should form public policy in the field of transport-shipping system of the Russian Federation, the State Secretary - the Deputy Transport Minister of the Russian Federation Sergei Aristov stated.
In this regard, the Ministry of Transport is considering the issue of developing a special concept for the development of national shipping system of the Russian Federation, the official said at the conference "Logistics and Chain Supply Management" held at the International Exhibition «TransRussia-2011».
Key provisions of the concept - development strategy and the components of state policy in the development of shipping system up to 2030. S. Aristov also criticized the existing legislative framework of transport-shipping activities.
April 28, 2011
In 2011, JSC RZD is funding 187 million rubles in the development of 84 technical standards
This was reported by senior vice president of JSC RZD Valentin Gapanovich speaking at the conference “Issues of development and harmonization of systems of technical regulations. Creation of technical regulation system of the Customs Union and United Economic Area”. The conference was held within the Week of the Russian business under the aegis of the Russian Union of Industrialists and Entrepreneurs on April 20 in Moscow.
According to the top manager of JSC RZD, the company takes an active part in implementing the reform of technical regulation at both the national and the interstate levels. Upon the initiative of RZD, a Memorandum on Cooperation of railway administrations of CIS, Latvia, Lithuania, the Republic of Estonia in the field of ensuring the unity of the system of technical regulation on "Space1520"on May 28, 2009 in Sochi.
Currently, drafts of technical regulations of the Customs Union in the field of railway transport are prepared. They went through all necessary procedures and agreed at the national level by the Russian Federation and the Republic of Belarus at the end of March. Adoption of technical regulations is planned to be carried out during the next meeting of the Customs Union Commission.
Most voluminous issue in future work is to prepare supporting regulations of standards that contain the full complex of specific security parameters imposed on the objects of railway transport and establishing reliable methods of confirming their compliance. Valentin Gapanovich said that JSC RZD is making a significant contribution to financing the development of standards.
However, Belarusian Railways, non-commercial partnership "Association of manufacturers of railway equipment and other organizations are now involved in the financing.
Implementation of unified standardization documents will allow to coordinate work on certification made in the Customs Union states, and to create a single national system for assessing conformity with technical regulations.
April 27, 2011
Russia and Denmark have signed a memorandum on cooperation in the sphere of transport
Transport Minister Igor Levitin and his Danish colleague Hans Christian Schmidt signed a memorandum between the Ministry of Transport of the Russian Federation and the Ministry of Transport of Denmark on Tuesday, the press service of the Ministry of Transport of the Russian Federation reported.
The document is aimed at strengthening and comprehensive development of cooperation conducive to expanding and strengthening ties in the sphere of transport between Russia and Denmark.
The parties intend to cooperate in the sphere of automobile, air, rail and sea transport, environmental and transport security.
They have reached an agreement on joint actions in case of emergencies caused by natural hazards during carrying out the international traffic and the development of international transport corridors, promoting the transport industry of the two states.
The Ministry of Transport of Russia and Denmark are going to cooperate by sharing information and experience in the priority areas of transport development, if the provision of information does not contradict the national legislation of States of the parties, as well as the EU law and can not lead to negative consequences for the sovereignty or security of the requested party.
The parties intend to hold regular consultations and negotiations at the level of officials on the basis of mutual agreement. In addition, if necessary, they will develop joint programmes and activities to promote cooperation in the sphere of transport, including the formulation of concrete measures to ensure the implementation of such programs and activities.
April 15, 2011
Rosmorport: transshipment facilities of the ports of the North-Western District are necessary to increase
By 2030, the increase of the total traffic up to 1-1,6 billion tons per year is expected in Russian ports. On April 14, this fact was reported by CEO of Rosmorport Igor Rusu at the meeting of the Sea Council under the Government of St. Petersburg during the report on the Strategy for the Development of the sea port infrastructure in Russia up to 2030.
Thus, according to the forward-looking strategy plans, turnover will increase by about three times in the southern federal district in 20 years, and by 3,2 times in the Far East. In the North-West Federal District (the pool of which includes a large port of Saint-Petersburg, ports of the Leningrad region - Primorsk, Ust-Luga, Vyborg, Vysotsk - and the ports of Kaliningrad) "the growth of transshipment of cargo will increase three times by 2030." "Today, its volume in the Northwest of Russia is 290 million tons a year, and by 2030 it may grow to 412 million tons", - said Igor Rusu. Therefore, he says, by 2030 it is necessary to increase transshipment facilities in the ports of North-West Federal District.
Igor Rusu stressed that the development strategy of sea port infrastructure in Russia up to 2030 is almost ready, and soon the results of its development will be discussed at a meeting of the Ministry of Transport. According to him, one of the main objectives of the strategy is to ensure sufficient capacity for high work efficiency and economic efficiency of development of port infrastructure.
April 14, 2011
The first private air strip will be built in Russia
The oil company “Surgutneftegaz” will complete construction of the first private airstrip in Yakutia in Russia in late 2012. The project will cost the company 4 billion rubles. So far only the state has been funding the airfield network, because return on such projects can exceed 100 years.
In May, according to the publication, Surgutneftegaz will build the first private air strip capable of receiving Boeing 737, Airbus 320 and Tu-154, for the aerodrome at Talakan minefield in Yakutia.
The main transport operator at Talakan field will be the airline UTair, which is 55.68 percent owned by the pension fund "Surgutneftegaz". At the same time the airport of Surgut will be invited to Talakan airport as the management company.
Now a private airstrip in Russia functions only in the Chita airport, which is owned by “Novaport”. The company explained that for some unknown reason, when “Novaport” bought the airport complex, already functioning airstrip was transferred to the balance.
April 12, 2011
Mandatory installation of the GLONASS navigation is delayed for employees of river transport
Russian Ministry of Transport has identified the order of exploitation of systems of satellite navigation GLONASS on riverboats.
According to the order signed by the Minister of Transport Igor Levitin , which enters into force on April19, equipment of the system GLONASS or GLONASS / GPS should be included in the navigational equipment of passenger riverboats, self-propelled transport vessels of classes "M" and "O" with gross tonnage of 300 tons and more, and also carrying dangerous goods.
Employees of river transport are obliged to install satellite navigators and transcoders before the end of 2013. At the same time, it may become necessary a half year earlier – during the classificatory survey conducted while changing the river port of the vessel, changes in ownership and in other cases.
At the present time accuracy of positioning finding in the GLONASS system is inferior to the opportunities of its American rival - the system GPS. Navigational mistakes in the river transport can lead to tragic consequences: ship "Alexander Suvorov" came under unnavigable passage of the Ulyanovsk bridge across the Volga at full speed in 1983: nearly two hundred people were killed in the truncated topsides.
Let us recall that the legislation obligates to use receivers of GLONASS or GLONASS / GPS on many vehicles. In particular, they must be installed on buses (including "micro" with more than seven seats), and also on the trucks that are used to transport special and dangerous goods. Such receivers are planned to be installed on all buses, cleaning equipment, etc. in St. Petersburg.
April 8, 2011
High speed route will be built between Moscow and Riga
Russia and Latvia will build high-speed four lane highway connecting Moscow and Riga. Minister of Transport of the Russian Federation Igor Levitin and Minister of Communications of Latvia Uldis Augulis reached such an agreement on Thursday.
According to the press service of the Ministry of Communications of Latvia, the plan to create a rapid-transit highway on the territory of the states is ready - now the road construction has already begun. Tentatively, the project will be completed by 2018.
At present, Moscow and Riga are connected by the M9 highway "the Baltic" in Russia. It includes a four lane Novorizhskoe highway, which starts from Moscow and ends in Volokolamsk. Further, towards the border with Latvia the highway ribbons to two lanes (one in each direction).
A capital repair was carried out at some parts of the road M9 over Volokolamsk in 2008-2010, but the number of lanes still remains the same.
April 6, 2011
Transport Minister of the Russian Federation will supervise the draft of the second transport bypass of St. Petersburg
Construction of the second Ring Road (Ring Road-2) around St. Petersburg will be the first project, which will be supervised by the Coordinating Council for development of the transport system of St. Petersburg and the Leningrad region, created by the government last week and headed by Transport Minister Igor Levitin. They promise to decide on traffic route by May of this year. Experts do not doubt the necessity of a second bypass in the city; however, they predict that construction will face serious problems in dealing with the owners of the land.
The current Ring Road becomes a route that provides the needs of the city, but it is necessary lead the transit traffic off, the Governor Valentina Matvienko emphasized it yesterday at orientational meeting of the Coordinating Council of St. Petersburg. According to her, the existing ring will be more integrated into the road network after the construction of Ring Road-2. "Decision on the second Ring Road is necessary to make, there are two options: whether it will be held on the existing highway A-120 so-called "betonka”, or between it and the existing Ring Road; the Leningrad Region is ready to be involved actively in this project ", - stressed the Governor of the Leningrad region Valery Serdyukov.
Orientational route of Ring Road-2 is planned to be considered in late May at the first meeting of the Coordinating Council, it will become clear then what other projects will be overseen by the Council, and this will let include funding for design of highways in the budgets of the regions in the 2012-2014, said Igor Levitin. Timing and potential scope of funding of the Ring Road 2 are not being discussed yet, according to the Minister. The Governor of St. Petersburg Valentina Matvienko promised that the road will be built by 2020. It is also unclear if only the budget will invest funding in construction of the route, or it is possible to attract private investment upon condition of further fee-paying exploitation.
April 5, 2011
A new airport will be started up in Moscow
A new airport in Moscow - Kubinka - will start working in 2012, the government of the Moscow region reported.
Airport complex dedicated to ensuring security of commercial aviation and general aviation, should reach rated capacity in 2018.
According to the Regional Transport Minister Peter Katsyv, it will allow to increase channel capacity of business traffic of the Moscow air hub by no less than 25%. Construction of the airport complex is expected on a land area of 46 hectares. The total volume of investment is 6.5 billion rubles.
Number of staff of the airport complex should reach 920.
April 4, 2011
Russia will allocate over 5 trillion to solve the problems of aviation
Russia will allocate more than 5 trillion rubles from the budget in 2020 for a radical change of situation in the aviation sphere. In particular, Russia will spend 470 billion rubles on upgrading of airports and air traffic organization.
The President speaking at an enlarged meeting of the Security Council said that the main funding of aviation will be directed within the framework of the state programme of armament, and also six special federal programmes.
The President noted that many problems are not solved in the aviation sphere currently. "Suffice it to say that only seven civilian aircrafts were produced in 2010, it is a very sad number," - he recalled. Medvedev also criticized the quality of Russian liners.
In addition, during the meeting Medvedev added that it is necessary to create state airlines based on socially relevant airports where transportation is not profitable enough. In addition, the President expressed himself in favor of maintaining subsidies given to the airlines that carry passengers from the Far East.
April 1, 2011
Medvedev: it is necessary to expand the capabilities of Russian airfields
It is necessary to overcome the degradation of the Russian aircraft industry and expand the capability of existing airfields. This was declared by the President Dmitry Medvedev at an enlarged meeting of the Russian Security Council on April 1.
He stressed that "it is necessary to form major transport hubs so that people will not have to fly from Krasnoyarsk to Novosibirsk via Moscow.
"And this is exactly what happens today, almost all air traffic is carried out via Moscow. This is the result of degradation of the aviation industry and airport capability. We need to solve this problem "- Medvedev said.
The Head of State noted that there are a lot of Russian airports that "will not be profitable in the coming years."
"It is necessary to create state airlines on the basis of these airports. The subject of air transport is not a luxury for us compared to Europe, where you can travel by car, this is an emergency for Russia", - said the President.
He also expressed himself in favor of maintaining subsidies for airlines that carry passengers from the Far East.
"We have developed a good programme, and it would be wrong to opt out of it." - he said. Medvedev admitted that unfortunately problems connected with quality and availability of air services arise regularly in Russia.
"We need to get to those places where the construction of airports is necessary. It is indispensable to decide how to deal with the airports in the Far North and areas equated to it ", - said the President.
March 31, 2011
A new research vessel will open serious prospects for Russia
A gala launch of a new scientific expedition vessel "Academic Treshnikov”, which plays a leading role in the scheme of sea transportation system of the Russian Antarctic Expedition was carried out on March 29, in St. Petersburg. The event of the descent of the vessel was attended by Deputy Minister of Natural Resources and Environment Nikolai Popov, Head of Hydromet Alexander Frolov, Special Representative of the President of the Russian Federation for International Cooperation in the Arctic and Antarctic Artur Chilingarov, Governor of St. Petersburg Valentina Matvienko, Head of the Legislative Assembly of St. Petersburg Vadim Tulpanov.
On board of the vessel there are: 8 modern laboratories, the possibility of basing two helicopters, well thought-out work to ensure the activities of the Russian stations and field bases, importation of fuel. This will contribute to the realization of all works necessary to achieve the highest results of studies of a qualitatively new level.
First Deputy Head of the faction "UNITED RUSSIA" in the State Duma, Coordinator of the Project “St. Petersburg - the Sea Capital of RUSSIA”, famous explorer of the Arctic and Antarctic Artur Chilingarov said that the event is "a landmark for all scientists." It is known that the Antarctic has a great potential of biological resources and it is a large deposit of valuable minerals. But conducting research in difficult climatic conditions of this little-studied region imposes harsh requirements for reliability and stability of vehicles. Polar Expedition Fleet of Russia has not been updated for more than 30 years, so the launch of the vessel "Academic Treshnikov" is really an important event for the scientific community, whose sphere of activity includes the study of the Arctic and Antarctic.
Soon the "Academic Treshnikov” will start engaging in research, along with the undisputed flagship of the polar fleet, the vessel "Academic Fedorov". Such a powerful tandem will allow Russia to regain its position and build up an influential presence in such strategically important region as the Antarctic.
March 30, 2011
High-speed trains will be launched between Rostov-on-Don and Sochi
Following Moscow and Saint Petersburg, Sochi and Rostov-on-Don are going to organize a high-speed rail communication. Trips will be run on high-speed trains of the Spanish production Talgo.
Decision to organize a high-speed communications was adopted at the Forum of leading Spanish brands in the Manezh. It is noteworthy that a contract to supply trains to Rostov-on-Don was signed between two countries as early as on February 25. Thus, it is planned that the new trains will cover a distance between the two southern cities in less than two hours. The maximum speed a train can develop is 379 km per hour, and the distance from Sochi to Rostov-on-Don is 559 km.
However, the question of the fare still remains unresolved. Most likely, local officials will have in mind the price of capital Sapsans. Let us recall that the cost of Express between Moscow and St. Petersburg is ranging from 1.8 to 5 thousand rubles.
March 29, 2011
The ship "Academic Treshnikov" was launched in St. Petersburg
A new scientific expedition vessel "Academic Treshnikov” has been launched from the Admiralty Shipyards in St. Petersburg today.
Ship of such class has appeared in Russia for the first time in 30 years. The vessel is designed to deliver the cargo, the staff of the Arctic stations, and also for research and study of natural processes and phenomena in the ocean. One of the special missions of the vessel is the removal of waste and rubbish from the Antarctic.
The governor Valentina Matvienko attended the ceremony and said she was overwhelmed with pride for shipbuilders and she was pleased that the Admiralty Shipyards were chosen for the construction of such a massive ship.
Famous Russian Arctic and Antarctic explorer, Coordinator of the Project “St. Petersburg - the Sea Capital of RUSSIA” Artur Chilingarov, in his turn, noted that the ship is named in honor of his teacher. He also expressed his hope for the continuation of construction of "academics", and this will make it possible to explore the Arctic and Antarctic actively.
According to the shipbuilders, both foreign and domestic equipment that conforms to the international standards are set on “Academic Treshnikov", and makes it possible to perform all the tasks. Two helicopters K-32 are provided on board. In addition, the ship is very maneuverable and can literally turn on the spot
"Academic Treshnikov" has running tests ahead of it. It will begin its work no sooner than in six months.
March 28, 2011
Vladimir Putin will hold a meeting on development of the Moscow aviation node
Prime Minister Vladimir Putin will hold a meeting on the development of the Moscow aviation node, which includes airports Vnukovo, Domodedovo and Sheremetyevo at the site of airport Sheremetyevo. As the government press service reported, it is planned to discuss optimization and improvement of the infrastructure of the Moscow airports to advance the comfort and security of the passengers’ exploitation and to form a competitive aviation node in the market of Europe during the meeting. To achieve this goal it is necessary to solve several problems, among them are optimization of the work and better realization of the transit potential of airports, increasing of the reliability of their operation, as well as the level of aviation security, improvement of the quality of passenger services, coordination of development of the aviation node and the whole transport infrastructure.
The meeting will be attended by Deputy Prime Minister Sergei Ivanov, Transport Minister Igor Levitin, Minister of Interior Rashid Nurgaliyev, Defense Minister Anatoly Serdyukov, Minister of Trade and Industry Viktor Khristenko, Emergency Situations Minister Sergei Shoigu, the mayor of Moscow, Sergei Sobyanin, Moscow Region Governor Boris Gromov, the principals of the Moscow airport, representatives of concerned ministries and agencies, and also organizations involved in the development of the Moscow aviation node. Before the meeting, the chairman of the Government will examine one of the newly commissioned terminals of Sheremetyevo, he will have a look at the service received by passengers at the airport. Following the results of 2010, passenger air transportation in Russia grew by 23.6 percent. There by more than half of departures of passengers are related to Moscow Air Cluster.
March 25, 2011
Russia will build a new airport on the Southern Kuril Islands
A number of transport projects will be implemented within the framework of the federal program "Social and Economic Development of the Southern Kuril Islands». It is stated in the report of the Ministry of Regional Development following the results of 2010 and plans for 2011. In particular, creation of a new airport on the Southern Kuril Island Iturup, reconstruction of the existing airport "Mendeleevo" on the island of Kunashir, and reconstruction of highways on Shikotan and the construction of waterfront complex in Yuzhno-Kurilsk are planned.
The amount of funding these activities from the federal budget in 2011 will amount to 1.14 billion rubles.
March 25, 2011
Urgent issue of restoring the railway Gdov - Pskov
In connection with the booming development of the Ust-Luga port, the question of restoring the railway line Gdov - Pskov becomes important, both for the economy of the Northwest, and for the whole of Russia, said the director of the Higher School of Economics in St. Petersburg, one of the authors of the Strategy of social and economic development of the North-West Federal District up to 2020 Alexander Khodachek.
According to his words, this way will not only to undertake part of the cargo from the port, unloading Petersburg railway junction and the road to Moscow, but it will also restore communication between the western areas of the Leningrad Region and the northwestern areas of the Pskov region. Also the problems of crossing the Estonian border will be solved partly, because the existing crossing points can not handle the load.
According to experts, Government of the Pskov region has already initiated the revival of the railway. "Reconstruction of the railway may be included in a number of strategic projects in the Pskov region. From a financial perspective, its construction can be conducted with the participation of JSC Russian Railways and the Federal Budget ", - said the director of the St. Petersburg branch of the Higher School of Economics.
March 23, 2011
The Republic of Mordovia and JSC RZD signed an agreement on cooperation
The Republic of Mordovia and JSC RZD signed an agreement on cooperation in 2011 - 2013 years. The document specifically notes that the parties involved in implementation of the strategy of railway transport development up to 2030 and socio-economic development programmes of Mordovia, they develop measures to upgrade and expand facilities of passenger infrastructure at stations and stops of The Republic. The possibility of creating a joint suburban passenger company is.
The Government of Mordovia and JSC RZD intend to cooperate fully with scientific organizations and industrial enterprises, developing and manufacturing products for the railroad, with the aim to take measures to increase the volume of orders.
Kuibyshevskaya railroad will reconstruct crossings and upgrade the facades of buildings within the boundaries of the so-called "right of way" in Saransk. Participants emphasized that ensuring antiterrorist security and law and order in railway transport is of much importance.
March 22, 2011
270 million rubles for the reconstruction of the airport
The second phase of reconstruction of the airport of Murmansk continues. The plans for this year are: the reconstruction of 3-taxiway, apron, lighting and drainage system. The amount that is now being coordinated with the Federal Air Transport Agency of the Russian Federation is within 270 million rubles. Work should be completed during 2011. In addition, the airport authorities are reconstructing the arrival hall at the moment using their own resources. Because of the new requirements to tighten control of air security it is necessary to install additional equipment for inspection. Airport opens new premises closer to the autumn.
Transport and Communications Minister of the Murmansk region Jurii Chuikov : "This will make the arrivals hall more convenient and accommodate all the inspection equipment to make passengers feel comfortable. So I would ask the residents of our region to exercise maximum attention and understanding."
March 21, 2011
Levitin set a task to complete the reconstruction of the crossing of GDP "Vnukovo" till July,1
The Minister of Transport Igor Levitin instructed to complete the reconstruction of crossing runways at the airport "Vnukovo" till July 1, 2011, reported the Ministry of Transport of the Russian Federation.
The Minister of Transport of the Russian Federation also requested to return all flights of air line companies that will shift its flights to other Moscow airports during reconstruction until July, 1. Work on the reconstruction of the first runway should be completed in 2012.
Reconstruction of the runway in "Vnukovo" will start on April 15, 2011. "Vnukovo" will not take long-haul airliners during the reconstruction of two crossing runways. Special flying squadron "Russia", which serves high-ranking officials of the Russian Federation replaces the majority of its flights from Vnukovo airport to the international airport "Sheremetyevo".
March 10, 2011
The State does not refuse of port construction in Sochi - Rosmorport
State didn’t give up its plans to build one of the objects of Olympic construction in Sochi - a cargo port in the mouth of the river Mzymta, the press service of the Rosmorport reported.
Today, some media reports have appeared that Rosmorport will not build the second stage of the cargo port, with the help of which it is planned to supply the Olympic construction with building materials.
"There was no disclaimer. “Basel” is building its part - moorings and “Rosmorport” - fencing, shore protection structures and the area of water", - the press service reported. Rosmorport added that completion of construction and commissioning of an object will take part in 2011.
Rosmorport is involved in the promotion of maritime transport infrastructure of Russia, participates in the implementation of federal target programmes for the development of maritime transport in Russia and provides services to ensure the safety of navigation in areas of water in ports and approaches thereto. Cargo area of Sochi port in the mouth of the river Mzymta is intended to receive loads during the construction of sports and infrastructure facilities of the Olympics 2014. Turnover of the port project is five million tons of building materials per year.
March 5, 2011
Residents of Yekaterinburg will use transport of future
A new form of public transport rope “metro” may possibly appear in Yekaterinburg. 800 million rubles of investments are expected to be involved in the project.
The project of the transport of future was prepared by staff members of engineering and consulting center "Mysl" of Novocherkassk and the Moscow State Automobile and Road Institute. They are ready to build the first traffic line for cable cars within three to four years. The "line", in its turn, will be held at the piers located at a distance of about 150 meters. Coaches with capacity to accommodate up to 32 people will be able to run at speeds up to 40 kilometers per hour and at intervals of 30 seconds on the airway paved like this.
Coaches will cover the distance between stations in about four to six minutes and they will be able to convey three to six thousand passengers.
Rope “metro” is a structure consisting of a drive, tension and intermediate stations-stops, piers and three ropes, and rolling stock is moving along them. Maximum conveying capacity of this type of transport is up to seven thousand passengers per hour.
According to experts, rope “metro” is safe and comfortable, and also economically sound and accessible to all the segments of population. The route takes a minimum land area (just 0.1 hectares for the construction of one kilometer of the road), does not cross any traffic and human overgrounds, it is environmentally safe and easy to maintain.
It is worth mentioning that this new type of transport is being constructed in Sochi at the moment. Five-kilometer-long line that will deliver spectators and athletes to Krasnaya Polyana during the winter Olympics will be ready in 2013. Projects have been also prepared for Gelendzhik, Odessa, Rostov-on-Don, Moscow, Novorossiysk, and some other cities.
March 4, 2011
The planning of the North-Siberian railroad begins in 2016
The administration of the Tomsk Oblast expects that the planning of the North-Siberian railroad (Sevsib), which will connect Khanty-Mansi Autonomous Okrug (KMAO) with the Baikal-Amur Mainline (BAM), begins in 2016.
“The creation of the North-Siberian railroad is necessary for the development and serving of the industrial zone in the Nizhniye Priangarye (Krasnoyarskiy Krai), and for the detection and exploration of the natural resources on the territory located to the North towards the Trans-Siberian Railway”, - the administration of the Tomsk Oblast reports.
The cost of the project implementation in prices of 2008 is estimated in 116 bln roubles. The total length of the road – 2.002 km.
March 3, 2011
In Kazan an agreement on construction of the logistic center in Sviyazhsk was signed
The investment agreement on creation of the Sviyazhsk interregional multimodal logistic centre was signed in the Ministry of Transport and Public Road System of Republic of Tatarstan.
The total sum of the project funding will make 18,3 bln roubles. The implementation will take place in 2013.
The agreement was signed by Director General of the Federal Unitary Enterprise “Rostransmodernization” Igor Freydin, Minister of Transport and Public Road System of the Republic of Tatarstan Lenar Safin and directors of the investor companies.
The logistic center in Sviyazhsk should handle 10 mln tons of the construction goods and 2.5 mln containers. The aim of the project is effective management of the goods traffic of federal and international significance via the Republic within the framework of the existing transport corridors “Transsib”, “North-South” and the planned route “Europe-West China”. Initiators of the project expect that additional attraction of goods traffic will provide expansion and creation of new terminals, which will lead to redistribution of transit goods traffics between Europe and Asia and grant the logistic center an international status.
March 1, 2011
Ministry of Transport of the RF and the government of the Permsky krai formed a joint plan for implementation of “Belkomur”
The Permsky krai and the Ministry of Transport of the RF have a concrete joint plan for implementation of the “Belkomur” transport project, as the counselor of the regional Prime Minister Yury Utkin wrote in the corporate blog of the government of the Permsky krai. “Today we have received the minutes of the meeting in Perm, signed by the Deputy Minister of Transport of the RF Mr Olerskiy. I consider it to be the concrete joint plan for implementation of the project “Belkomur”, — he noticed.
In the minutes of the meeting, signed by the Ministry of Transport, it is stated that for the purpose of acceleration of the project development it is recommended to the Ministry to consider the initiatives of the government of the Permskiy krai, concerning the beginning of designing and construction of the main line Solikamsk-Syktyvkar in 2012. Also, the Ministers were recommended to specify the volumes and financial indicators of the project with account for the remarks of the Ministry of Transport.
The project “The White Sea — Komi — the Urals” (the short name is “Belkomur”) provides construction of the main line of the meridian type Arkhangelsk — Syktyvkar — Gayny — Solikamsk, construction of the deep-water port in Arkhangelsk and in future — inclusion of “Belkomur” into the transnational highway “Barents-Link” (the railroad from Norway to India). The total length of the road will make 1.252 km. “Belkomur” will reduce the way of freight trains going from the Siberia to the ports of the White Sea by about 800 km. In March “Belkomur” will be presented to the Chairman of the Government of the Russian Federation Vladimir Putin.
February 24, 2011
Construction project of the ship canal “Eurasia” is postponed till Kazakhstan confirms the freight base
Advancement of the project of the ship-canal, connecting the Caspian Sea and the Azov and Black Sea basin (the canal “Eurasia”), is postponed till Kazakhstan confirms the freight base, as Deputy Minister of Transport of the Russian Federation Victor Olersky asserted.
“The whole strategy changes, — he said. — Today our colleagues from Kazakhstan can’t confirm the sufficient volume of the freight base for transportation via the canal “Eurasia”. Earlier they planned to transport oil, which now will run via the pipeline. So, nowadays there is no sense in huge investment into the canal construction”.
Freight base of the Republic of Kazakhstan has changed considerably over the last 3 years. Besides, according to the information, given by Kazakhstan, China is interested in transshipment across the Caspian Sea to Europe. However, Kazakhstan is not ready to give information on volumes and categories of cargoes.
Plan of construction of the canal between the Caspian and Azov Sea exists for more than eighty years. In 2007 the President of Russia Vladimir Putin suggested reviving the project. In 2009 Eurasian Development Bank allocated $ 2.9 mln for the 2 variants elaboration: construction of the “Eurasia” canal and the “Volga-Don” canal second branch. The experts estimate the cost of the basic version of “Eurasia” at 0.5 billion roubles approximately.
February 22, 2011
Construction of the toll highway Moscow — Nizhni Novgorod will start in 2013
“Construction of the toll section to Kazan is possible”, — First Deputy Minister of Transport of the Moscow region Alexander Mitusov reported.
He said that the toll automobile road will be constructed from the area of Novokosino. It will become an alternate of the Gorkovsky highway. The new road will unload the Moscow — Nizhni Novgorod highway, a section of the Yegoryevsky highway, approach roads to the cities of Reutov, Lyubertsy and to the new districts of Moscow that will be constructed on Lyubertsy aeration grounds.
“Today there exists a project for construction of the new corridor to Noginsk, Orekhovo-Zuevo and further to Nizhni Novgorod. Engineering will be conducted in 2011-12”, — Mitusov said. Deputy Minister noticed that terms of construction of this highway depend on results of the expertise including the degree of readiness of the territory.
February 21, 2011
Ferry line connected the ports of Novorossiysk and Sochi
On February, 17 the first ferry made its trip and connected the Black Sea ports “Novorossiysk” and “Imeretinsky”, which is intended for acceptance of freight for the Olympic objects’ construction.
Prospect of creating a ferry line between these ports existed for a long time, but the landslide that destroyed a section of the federal highway “Dzhubga-Sochi”, as the representative of the port Novorossiysk noticed, “hastened this process”.
He explained that at the initial stage one ferry will cruise between the ports. “In future depending on the demand for this service the quantity of ferries may increase”, — the representative of the port added.
Deputy Minister of Transport of the RF Oleg Belozyorov, who inspected the section of the highway “Dzhubga-Sochi”, destroyed by the landslide, suggested speeding up arrangement of the ferry line.
Reconstruction works of the highway section are estimated, according to preliminary data, at 150-160 million roubles. The South regional centre of EMERCOM of Russia reports, that these works will be completed by the beginning of March 2011.
February 18, 2011
Heads of the Ural Federal District and deputies of the State Duma inspected implementation of the “Ural Industrial — Ural polar” project
Plenipotentiary Representative of the President in the Ural Federal District Nikolay Vinnichenko went on the arctic trip to make sure that the agreement on implementation of the “Ural Industrial — Ural Polar” complex project is observed.
According to the corrected plans, money will be allocated, first of all, for creation of the railway Northern latitude way 707 km long (Obskaya — Salekhard — Nadym — Pangody — Novy Urengoy — Korotchayevo). It is expected that in 2015 — 2025 over 60 billion roubles from exploitation of this highway will be forwarded to the budgets of all levels. It is one of the largest Russian projects that should provide modernization of the industry of the Ural Federal District by means of development of material resources of the Polar Ural and creation of transport and energetic infrastructure. Over 1200 km of railways, almost 800 km of highways, two bridge crossings via the rivers Ob and Nadym and eight power generation facilities will be constructed.
February 17, 2011
Ministry of Finance of the Russian Federation evaluates construction of high-speed railways between the cities participating in the FIFA World Cup 2018 at 5,5 trillion roubles
Ministry of Finance of the Russian Federation evaluates construction of high-speed railways connecting the cities, which host the matches of the FIFA World Cup 2018, at 5,5 trillion roubles, as Deputy Minister of Finance Alexander Novak reported.
Ministry of Finance proceeds from the cost of 1 km of the high-speed branch at 9-14 mln dollars (the cost of the road between Moscow and Saint Petersburg)
As Mr Novak said, 5.5 trillion roubles should be allocated for construction of the new high-speed railways and Moscow will be connected by these railways not with all the cities-participants, but only with Sochi, Yekaterinburg and Samara (besides, the high-speed railway Moscow — Saint Petersburg may be built).
As Mr Novak mentioned, “it is unreal” to invest this sum of money into the railways construction. He added that the heads of RZD suggest making alterations and performing modernization of the functioning lines instead of constructing the new ones.
February 15, 2011
470 roubles will be allocated for construction of the roads of the Western Russia
Total length of the automobile roads of federal significance on the territory of the Far Eastern Federal District is 7231 km, of which only 43% — with hard surface.
Deputy Ambassador Alexander Poleshchyuk noticed that issues of development of transport infrastructure on the Far East, including construction of automobile roads, are of strategic importance because development of economics of the district depends on conditions and speed of road construction.
Mr Poleshchyuk asserts that among the main objects there are construction, repairing and reconstruction of such federal roads as “Amur”, M60 (“Ussuri”) and M56 (“Lena”), the total length of which makes 6031 km. Taking into account construction of the road net from federal roads to settlements and implementation of the federal programme for development of the Kuril Islands in the Sakhalin region, the planned funding from the federal budget to 2015 will make 470 billion roubles.
February 11, 2011
Transport corridor will appear around St. Petersburg center
Highway will connect the Primorsky district with the Obvodniy channel and go to the Western Speed Diameter Highway. 30-35 billion roubles are necessary for implementation of this global project that will allow driving round 4 central districts of the city.
Transport corridor meant for automobile traffic without traffic lights and cross walks, will form a continuous flow from the Primorskiy prospect to the Orlovskiy tunnel on the right bank of the river Neva going via Ushakovskaya, Vyborgskaya and Pirogovskaya embankments. Driving via the Orlovskiy tunnel to the left bank of Neva, cars will reach the Obvodniy tunnel without stopping and then go to the Western Speed Diameter Highway. Thus, automobiles will get an opportunity to drive round the Tsentralniy, Admiralteiskiy, Vasileostrovskiy and Petrogradskiy districts of the city.
February 4, 2011
Ministry of Transport and EBRD plan to expand mutual partnership
On February 3 Minister of Transport of the Russian Federation Igor Levitin met the Vice-President of the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) Varel Freeman. As press service of the Ministry of Transport reports, the parties expressed their interest in expansion of mutual partnership.
Deputy Ministers Oleg Belozyorov, Andrey Nedosekov, Viktor Olerskiy, head of the Russian Highway Agency Anatoliy Chabunin, head of the Russian Agency of Railway Transport Gennadiy Petrakov, First Deputy Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Federal Highway Agency Sergey Kelbakh and Director General of the Federal State Unitary Enterprise “Rosmorport” Igor Rusu also took part in the meeting.
Igor Levitin underlined the readiness of the Ministry of Transport to collaborate with EBRD. He also noticed that today collaboration of the Ministry and the Bank doesn’t concern large-scale projects.
“Today transport sphere needs investments into breakthrough technologies. EBRD support is necessary in the sphere of innovative investments”, — Igor Levitin underlined.
Minister reported that the Ministry of Transport receives initiatives of foreign companies that are ready to supply high-speed lines with electric trains. “However, first of all, we need investments into the infrastructure. They are especially important in connection to the task to establish high-speed railway traffic between the cities where the matches of World Cup 2018 will be held. We are ready to consider together with EBRD the initiatives of foreign companies having similar experience”, — the Minister said.
Among the possible directions of collaboration Igor Levitin pointed out construction of high-speed freeways and their operation with usage of intelligent transport systems, organization of road traffic in big cities and construction of modern hydraulic structures.
Minister of Transport suggested Varel Freeman considering the possibility of participation in parallel funding of infrastructure projects. He added that the bank may take part in selection of investors and introduction of innovative technologies at early phases of the projects implementation.
Varel Freeman asserts that EBRD is ready to support the Ministry of Transport in issues of economic efficiency and environment protection of the projects. He also suggested working out a joint Memorandum on cooperation which would confirm prospects of future collaboration.
February 3, 2011
Results of the visit of Igor Levitin: “it is important for us to make the Kaliningrad transport hub exemplary”
One of the main aspects of the strategic contract signed by the head of the Ministry of Transport and the governor of the region became creation of the international multimodal transport hub in the West of Russia. It will contribute to development of all modern kinds of transport in the Kaliningrad region, which is impossible without improvement of the transport infrastructure.
Igor Levitin said: “All plans that we prepared are being currently implemented. It is important for us to make the Kaliningrad transport hub exemplary for the Europeans and other guests of Russia to see that our transport infrastructure is well-developed”.
February 2, 2011
Ministry of Transport of the Russian Federation waits for a private investor to begin construction of the new Kaliningrad deep-water port
“We have 400 mln roubles in our budget for designing of a deep-water port in Kaliningrad and 2 bln roubles are provided by the programme for construction of the terminal of this port complex. We need at least one partner-investor to start implementation of this large-scale project”, — Igor Levitin noticed.
Minister reminded that construction of all sea ports is conducted by two sources — means of the federal budget and funds of private investors.
Speaking of importance of construction of the Kaliningrad seep-water port, Igor Levitin underlined: “We understand that intermodal transportation is well-developped here. Kaliningrad is the first port on the North-West that may handle cargoes, then go St. Petersburg and other ports”, — he noticed.
Designers have chosen the North-Western part of the Balga peninsular in the Gulf of Kaliningrad for construction of the new deep-water port complex. The terminal handling ocean container crafts and other general cargoes should become the base of the port.
February 1, 2011
Murmansk Sea Facade will be constructed by 2016 — Dmitry Dmitrienko
Murmansk Sea Facade will be constructed by 2016, to the century anniversary of the city. The official website of the Governor of the Murmansk region Dmitry Dmitrienko informs that the regional administration received the respective order from the Marine Collegium of the Government of the Russian Federation.
A quay for cruise vessels will appear in the city. Atomic ice-breaker “Lenin” and possibly one of the first atomic submarines will be left at the quay.
January 31, 2011
For protection of high speed trains “Sapsan” and “Allegro” special trains will start functioning
For protection of high speed trains “Sapsan” and “Allegro” special trains will be introduced, as head of transport department of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Russia on Northwestern Federal District Vadim Kashirin announced.
The project is currently being worked out. It will be implemented within the framework of the programme on antiterrorist security provision.
At the first phase 4 trains will start functioning. Special trains-motrices consisting of one or two cars will be introduced.
January 28, 2011
By the World Cup 2018 RZD will construct the high speed railway system in Russia for Euro 50 billion
Construction cost of high speed highway during the preparation to the World Cup will amount to no less than Euro 50 billion.
As Director General of JSC “High-speed Rail Lines” Denis Muratov reported at the briefing on Friday, estimated cost of 1 km varies from Euro 14 mln to Euro 22 mln. At some sections the price of the kilometer may be higher depending on surface relief and other conditions.
Besides, top-manager noticed that RZD in the process of preparation to the World Cup 2018 plans to connect Moscow with St. Petersburg, Vladimir, Nizhni Novgorod, Kazan, Samara and Yekaterinburg with high-speed rail lines. Length of the highway in direction of the Volga region and Urals is about 3 thousand km, from Moscow to St. Petersburg — 660 km.
Mr Muratov also said that cost of St. Petersburg highway may amount at Euro 10-15 billion. He explained that funds necessary for the land repurchase are not included into this sum. About 8 thousand hectares of land should be repurchased for 50 billion roubles for the project implementation.
Moscow-St. Petersburg high-speed rail line will be constructed in 2017.
January 27, 2011
New airport in Rostov will cost 25 billion roubles
The issue was discussed at the meeting of the Governor of the region Vasiliy Golubev with the Deputy Minister of Transport Oleg Belozyorov.
During the meeting the agreement on construction of the airport complex “Yuzhny” in Rostov-on-Don in 2011 was reached. The priority ground for “Yuzhny” is the territory of the Grushevskoye rural village of the Aksakaiskiy district of the region.
It is also reported that 25 billion roubles will be necessary for the project implementation.
January 24, 2011
Draft law on navigation and shipbuilding support was considered by the Government Commission
Draft law on navigation and shipbuilding support was considered by the Government Commission for Legislative Drafting Activities, as the Deputy Minister of Transport of the Russian Federation Viktor Olerskiy reported. The document will be considered at the session of the Russian Government and submitted to the State Duma.
The draft law provides saving of operating costs of the ship owners, whose vessels will function under the Russian flag, by means of tax deduction. Besides, special shipbuilding zones with preferential tax treatment will be created. The ship yards that will fall within the scope of the new law, will receive preferences for customs tax for import of equipment having no Russian equivalent (tax amounts at 10%), VAT zero rate for new vessels (18%) and a number of other preferences. The law will be applied to the vessels that will be produced by the Russian enterprises under the Russian flag from January 1, 2011.
“I believe that we should reach a compromise between premium minimum zero rate and maximum rate of 34%. To my mind, 14-20% will meet everyone’s needs. Anyway, the final decision will be made by the Chairman of the Government”, — Mr Olerskiy explained.
January 21, 2011
St. Petersburg Transport Strategy will appear
Governor of St. Petersburg Valentina Matvienko ordered to work out a transport strategy of the city. As it was earlier mentioned at the meeting, priority tasks for development of the transport branch of the Northern Capital 2011-2013 should become expansion of street and road network, improvement of public transport and introduction of restrictions in traffic.
For instance, St. Petersburg administration plans to remove transit transport from the center of the Northern Capital to the arched freeway the Obukhovskoy Oborony embankment — the Neva river embankment — Western High-Speed Diameter. Organization of lanes for the public transport will continue. Six top-priority transport corridors: airport — Moscow railway station; Rzhevka — Ladozhskaya metro station, Aviakonstruktorov street — Ispytateley prospect — Svetlanovskaya square; Tipanova street — Slavy prospect; Peterhof highway — Kazakova street to the Stachek prospect will be laid, as Fontanka notices. Besides, five metro stations and three large hubs near the subway will open and an automated system of traffic management will appear.
January 19, 2011
Levitin: renovation of the air fleet demands 100 new planes annually
Russian air companies need about 100 new planes annually for renovation of their air fleets. Only about 15 planes are produced in the country, as Minister of Transport of the Russian Federation Igor Levitin informed.
The Minister also reported that the Moscow airport “Bykovo” may be transferred for the needs of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Russia and added that “development of civil aviation transportations” is not planned there.
On November 1, 2010 it was asserted that Moscow oldest airport — “Bykovo” that celebrated 74 year anniversary in September, — will be closed.
The airport stopped functioning in connection to expiry of the complex lease agreement.
January 17, 2011
Ministry of Transport prepared a project of an order on adoption of navigation regulations
Ministry of Transport of the Russian Federation prepared a project of an order “On adoption of navigation regulations on the inland waters of the Russian Federation”. The document was published in the materials of the ministry. After the new order is adopted, the order of the Ministry of Transport of the Russian Federation dated October 14, 2002 ¹ 129 (registered in the Ministry of Justice of Russia on December 30, 2002 under the number 4088) shall be considered to have lost force.
According to the regulations, navigation on the inland waters will be permitted only under the official flag of the Russian Federation. On the basis of the resolution of the Russian Government navigation on the inland waters under the foreign flag may be permitted for the purpose of transit (Article 23 of the Inland Water Transport Code).
January 14, 2011
RZD subsidiary company for rapid railway transportation
The Ministry of Transport of the Russian Federation suggests that RZD should create a subsidiary company for conducting rapid transportation, as head of the ministry Igor Levitin reports.
He says that on Thursday the general committee of the government considered an initiative on creation of a company on the basis of the existing board of directors of RZD rapid transit.
He explained that in future a part of the stock of this company will be offered to business because experience of rapid transit functioning showed that “a passenger willingly pays for high speed and comfort”.
Mr Levitin said that this initiative concerns the transportations by Sapsan trains that are not included into the Federal Passenger Company and are carried out by a separate division (rapid transit directorate).
“This division is profitable, but expansion of the rapid transit polygon needs investments. Therefore, we suggest that a separate company should be created, a block should be offered to investors and the money should be allocated for purchasing of a rolling stock”, — Igor Levitin reported.
January 13, 2011
General Committee of the Government will consider the railway reform implementation
General Committee of the Government of the Russian Federation will consider the state of the reform of the rail transport and make amendments to the Housing Code and the law on river ports at the first session of the new year.
Press service of the government informs that ministers of transport and economic development Igor Levitin and Elvira Nabiullina will make a joint report on the first question. At the session priorities in sphere of improvement of legislative base will be defined, main tasks in sphere of development of state tariff policy will be established, the interested federal executive bodies will be ordered to provide together with the interested organizations the necessary conditions for conducting military and special transportation, fulfillment of mobilization assignments in the new conditions of management and separation of the property of RZD into a competitive segment.
Besides, Mr Levitin will submit amendments to the law on river ports. The aim of the draft law is bringing certain norms of the federal law “On Sea Ports of the Russian Federation” to correspondence with the federal law “On Transport Security”. Thus, amendment of the version of the part 5 of the law 15 on sea ports is based on the fact that protection of the borders of the sea ports is one of the elements of transport security of the sea ports. Protection of the borders of the sea ports is included into the plan of transport security provision of the objects of transport infrastructure.
Amendments to the part 6 of the law 15 on sea ports will allow the Ministry of Transport together with the Ministry of Internal Affairs of the Russian Federation to form a list of the sea ports that will be protected by the departments of the security service of the federal executive body in sphere of transport, departments of the federal executive body in sphere of internal affairs and /or/ organizations under the jurisdiction of this federal body.
January 12, 2011
Construction of the port costing Euro 250 mln will start in Velikiy Novgorod in 2011
“Investment Shipbuilding Group” JSC plans to start construction of the river port Krechevitsy in Velikiy Novgorod in 2011, as press center of the administration of the Novgorod region reports. The construction works cost Euro 150-250 mln.
Multimodal low-sized module and logistic river port Krechevitsy will be destined for containers and integrated into the united logistic system of cargo handling with logistic terminals. It is expected that the transport flow will comprise 2,5 mln tons of cargo (84 thousand containers). The port will be on full power in 2014.
The project is worked out within the frames of the programme Bacarico, providing construction and modernization of the river ports in the European part of Russia on Baltic-Caspian River Route. The project includes pollution control facilities and waste processing module, trade and commercial hotel complex, parkings, car workshops, fuel stations, fuel terminal for vessels, pump stations and heating power plants, logistic terminals and container platforms.
January 11, 2011
Nord Stream laid about 70% of pipes of the first line of the underwater
Nord Stream AG joint enterprise has laid over 70% of pipes of the first line of the gas pipeline “Nord Stream”.
The press service of the company reports that the current length of the gas pipeline comprises 850 km.
The first branch of “Nord Stream” with transmission capacity of 27,5 billion cubic meters of gas per year will be put into operation in the end of 2011.
December 17, 2010
Putin promises development of small aircrafts
Government will get down to revival of small aircrafts, as the Prime Minister Vladimir Putin announced today.
Putin said that means for solutions of this problem are already worked out. First, taxes for import of small-sized planes in Russia are lowered to the minimum level. Second, reconstruction of small airdromes will be funded on the federal level.
December 16, 2010
Putin approved Russian maritime strategy
Russian Government adopted the strategy for development of maritime activities to 2030.
According to the document, the main issues and risks of development of maritime activities are set. They concern poor activity of sea vessels under the Russian flag, that service Russian cargo base, and poor participation of the Russian merchant fleet in world transportation, weak development of transport infrastructure and etc.
December 14, 2010
Nikolai Asaul is appointed Deputy Minister of Transport of Russia
Nikolai Asaul, who held the post of Chairman of the Committee on Transport and Transit Policy of St. Petersburg, is appointed Deputy Minister of Transport of the Russian Federation.
The order was signed by the Chairman of the Russian Government Vladimir Putin on December 10.
Earlier, the post of Deputy Minister of Transport of the Russian Federation was held by Nikolai Lyamov.
December 13, 2010
RZD will open high speed railway traffic between Moscow, Kazan, Samara and Ulyanovsk
High speed railway traffic will connect Moscow, Kazan, Samara and Ulyanovsk. It will be organized within the frames of preparation for the World Cup 2018. The Prime Minister Vladimir Putin believes that it will contribute to development of high speed traffic in the European part of Russia.
Head of RZD Vladimir Yakunin claimed that his company already prepares necessary documents to be submitted to the government.
December 6, 2010
Second Baikal-Amur Railway Mainline will cost 448 billion roubles
On Monday the Plenipotentiary Representative of the President of the Russian Federation in the Far Eastern Federal District Viktor Ishayev met the President of RZD Vladimir Yakunin in Khabarovsk.
At the meeting issues of implementation of the project of construction of the second branch of the Baikal-Amur Mainline (BAM) were discussed.
Implementation of the project of construction of the second branch of the Baikal-Amur Mainline may cost 448 billion roubles, of which 380 billion roubles will be invested into the infrastructure.
He noticed that Mr Yakunin suggested Viktor Ishayev collaborating in working with the Russian Government for implementation of the programme “BAM-2”.
December 3, 2010
Transport infrastructure issues during the Football World Cup 2018 are under control — Vladimir Putin
Transport infrastructure issues during the Football World Cup 2018 in Russia are under control.
Chairman of the Russian Government Vladimir Putin made such announcement at the press conference in Zurich. The Prime Minister said that programmes for development of the transport infrastructure are currently being implemented in the Russian Federation. “We will adjust the plans for the championship”, — he noticed.
December 2, 2010
Ministry of Transport will build roads in villages
Ministry of Transport of Russia will allocate 18 billion roubles from 2011 to 2013 for road construction in villages. Head of the department Igor Levitin reported that the Ministry of Agriculture will determine the places where roads should appear and the Federal Highway Agency will conduct construction.
By agreement with the Ministry of Agriculture roads will be constructed in settlements with population of 125 people and remoteness from the public roads of no more than 5 km. In the agreement it is claimed that “the document aims at increasing of the number of villages with paved roads. Road construction will start in villages within production areas where objects of the agricultural sector are located or will appear, which will contribute to sustainable development of the national agricultural sector.”
Besides, subsidies to regional budgets for construction and reconstruction of public regional automobile roads in amount of 78,6 billion roubles are provided.
December 2, 2010
Government of the Leningrad region suggest continuing construction of the Ring Road
Government of the Leningrad region is interested in construction of the second and third radius of the Ring Road around St. Petersburg, as Head of the region Valeriy Serdyukov claimed.
At the end of November through traffic was opened on land section of the Ring Road. To close the ring the designers should build the tunnel that will be put into operation in Autumn 2011.
“The Southern section of the Ring Road is already overloaded and demands additional construction of the second and third road. We have got such initiatives”, — said Serdyukov.
He added that the initiatives of the region are already submitted to the Ministry of Transport. Among them — repair of the old military road and construction of the second ring. New routes are necessary for transportation of cargoes from the port of Ust-Luga.
December 1, 2010
Medvedev lowered transport tax twice
The President of Russia Dmitry Medvedev signed the federal law “On amendments to the articles 342 and 361 of the part two of the Tax Code of the Russian Federation”.
Press service of the Kremlin reports that the law was endorsed by the State Duma on November 19, 2010 and adopted by the Federation Council on November 24.
The law provides the norms of new rates of transport tax that will be twice lower than the current ones. Besides, speaking about automobiles with the engine power to 150 hp, it is suggested that the RF subjects should be given the right to set low rates of transport tax.
December 1, 2010
RZD demands from the government increasing of the tariffs by 23% threatening to fire 42 thousand workers
The company “Russian Railways” demanded from the government compensation of 147 billion roubles of lost incomes in 2012 or increase of the tariffs for passenger transportation by 23%. Railmen assert that otherwise, the company will suffer losses, and threaten to reduce repair works of the railway lines and fire 42 thousand people.
RZD reminds that in 2009-2010 the grow of tariffs was constrained to support economy during the crisis. Besides, the company got compensation from the government. However, in 2012-2013 the compensation of losses of RZD is not provided and the tariffs should grow according to the plan endorsed by the government by 7,4% and 6,4% respectively (in 2011 — by 8%).
However, monopoly requires increasing tariffs in 2012 by 23% and in 2013 — by 7,5% in order to finish the accounting period without losses. Otherwise, the company may receive less income in the amount of 146,8 billion roubles in 2012 and 176,4 billion roubles in 2013. RZD suggests to the government increasing the tariffs or compensating the lost income by the means of the budget.
November 30, 2010
Sea ports will amend maritime law
Common rules of navigation and moorage in the sea ports of the Russian Federation will be amended.
This decision was made by results of the united visiting session of the Council of the Federal Agency of Sea and River Transport and the Council for Maritime Activities of the Krasnodar krai.
The Council of the Federal Agency of Sea and River Transport ordered to the captains of the sea ports of Russia to prepare and submit to the Federal Agency of Sea and River Transport initiatives to alter the navigation rules. After generalization the amendments will be submitted to the Ministry of Transport of Russia.
The Council of the Federal Agency of Sea and River Transport together with the administration of the Krasnodar krai will analyze the causes for low activity of shipping companies in registration of the fleet in Russian International Register of Vessels and work out suggestions to solve this issue.
November 29, 2010
Russian regions will get their own road funds
Creation of road funds on the regional level will become obligatory for all the RF subjects from January 1, 2011.
Today the draft law on road funds gets last adjustments in the government. In the nearest future the legislative base will be prepared in each region. It will allow to establish a local road fund. The base should be ready by the beginning of 2011 so that road funds will start functioning “on legal basis” from January 1, as magazine “Vremya novostei” informs with reference to the Director of the Department for the Budgetary Policy in Branches of Economy of the Ministry of Finance Igor Kuzin.
Regional funds will be replenished by the means from excise taxes for oil and transport. Besides, attempts to reduce revenues to the funds “will be treated as violation of budget legislation”
Meanwhile, a considerable number of regions are against of the new initiative of the federal government. Today means, received from the transport tax, are allocated for development of the social sphere. However, from January 2011 this money will be spent for road construction and maintenance.
In May 2010 the Ministry of Transport and the Prime Minister of the Russian Federation Vladimir Putin suggested creating road funds on both federal and regional levels. Then, the department worked out a draft law, providing replenishment of the funds by means of 11 points, among which — excise taxes for oil. The initiative was endorsed by the committee of the State Duma for construction and land relations and later — by the President Dmitry Medvedev.
November 26, 2010
RZD and Finmeccanica agreed at common understanding
President of OJSC “RZD” Vladimir Yakunin and President of Finmecchanica Pier Francesco Guarguaglini signed Memorandum of Understanding.
It provides common implementation of the project for modernization of train control system, warning system, automation system and provision of transportation security.
According to the document, the companies intend to work out, test, introduce and provide further service of modern train control systems, warning systems, automation systems and transportation security, based on microprocessing and satellite technologies, on the territory of the Russian Federation together.
For instance, the Partners intend to unite efforts for creation of the new train control system on the basis of ITARUS-ATC system.
November 25, 2010
Electobuses may appear in Moscow in 2012
Electrobuses that are multiseat and function without rails and electric wires, may appear on the streets of Moscow already in 2012, as head of the Department of Science and Industrial Policy of the capital Yevgeniy Panteleyev reported.
Earlier, Moscow’s government claimed that it is ready to provide funding for unique innovative solutions including creation of eco-friendly transport.
“Today together with the Ministry of Industry and Trade and the Ministry of Education and Science we work out the programme for production of electrobuses. Possibly, such programme will be included into the relevant agreement”, — Mr Panteleyev said.
The Head of the Department reported, that the programme is worked out for two years. “In 2011 we will create about seven samples. I think, that electrobuses will be put into operation in Moscow in 2012”, — he noticed.
Panteleyev added that 300 million roubles will be allocated from the city’s budget for the programme implementation. The same sum of money will be spent by the Ministry of Industry and Trade. The Ministry of Education and Science will participate in funding by means of its other directions.
November 24, 2010
Putin will order to start construction of the new terminal of Pulkovo airport
The Prime Minister of the Russian Federation Vladimir Putin will take part in the ceremony of the starting of construction of the new terminal of Pulkovo airport.
The new terminal will be built by the end of 2013. It will allow to increase passenger flow of the airport twice — from 7 to 14 mln people.
According to reconstruction of Pulkovo airport, within the frames of public-private partnership a modern terminal will appear by 2014. It will be joined to the Pulkovo — 1. Passenger flow should increase to 14-17 mln passengers a year by that time. The new complex will include domestic and international airlines and the Pulkovo-2 will stop functioning as an international airport.
November 24, 2010
Road under contract
RZD will transfer to the government the right to determine the crucial parameters of development of railway roads. In return, the government will provide funding for infrastructure. This will be especially important for RZD for development of high-speed traffic requiring multibillion investments.
By the end of the year the government will endorse the strategy for development of the railway transportation market to 2015, as Deputy Director of the Department of the Ministry for Economic Development Gamid Bulatov said. The term “network contract” between the government and the owner of the railway infrastructure that was suggested by RZD and McKinsey last year, will appear in this strategy for the first time.
“Network contract” will set mutual responsibilities of the government and RZD for infrastructure development. The government will decide what cargoes will be transported and in what directions, what speed of transportation and quality of services should be set, as Mr Bulatov asserts. After that the government and RZD will determine what objects should be constructed to achieve these results, how much money it will be necessary and what lines may be closed. RZD will fulfill the settled works for money granted by the government and revenues from the payment for the infrastructure, says Bulatov.
Railway tariffs are endorsed by the government, but they are not enough for the infrastructure development, claims the representative of RZD. In fact, “network contract” already functions: the government invests billions of roubles into RZD annually. Now this process will be formalized, says Bulatov, for instance, one will be able to determine directions for development of high-speed traffic. RZD will build about 1500 km of new lines to 2030 at cost of 1,3 trillion roubles. Probably, RZD should develop such lines, but in this case the government should decide if such funding is necessary, Bulatov underlines.
November 23, 2010
85% of road accidents in the country are caused by drunk drivers and speeders
Russian State Traffic Security Inspectorate (Road Police) summarized accident rate in the country from January to October 2010. According to statistics, 85% of road accidents is caused by speeding and drunken drivers. However, the number of the perished in road accidents gradually decreases.
On November 21 the whole world commemorated those who died in road accidents. For 10 months of 2010 over 21 thousand people died in traffic accidents in our country including 757 children. “While we discuss imperfection of road infrastructure, highways and legislation, the main reason of road accidents remains: it is the violation of rules”, — Chief State Traffic Officer of the country Viktor Kiryanov claimed.
He asserts that over 85% of the total number of road accidents happens due to the fault of drivers. Mostly traffic accidents occur if drivers are drunk, overdrive, run red light, break the rules of drive at crossroads or drive the opposite traffic line in places where it is prohibited by the road signs.
“Drivers often break rules on purpose, relying on their luck. This results in terrible tragedies and ruined human lives”, — Kiryanov asserts.
According to the statistics of the State Traffic Security Inspectorate, 164 036 (-2,6%) road accidents occurred from January to October 2010 in Russia due to which 21 328 (-6,4%) people died and 206 489 (-2,6%) — were injured. Besides, 10 thousand (-6,1%) road accidents were caused by drunk drivers. In 17 355 accidents children suffered, of which 757 (-4,7%) children died and 18 155 (+0,3%) — were injured.
November 23, 2010
“Customs trio”: on the way to unification
During the coordinating transport meeting of the CIS countries in Moscow Ministers of Transport of Russia and Belarus endorsed a plan of events for creating the single transport space for 2011-2012. Earlier, at the International Motor Transport Forum Head of the Ministry of Transport of Russia Igor Levitin claimed:
— Customs Union of Russia, Kazakhstan and Belarus already functions. Borders between our countries will be liquidated. Customs border of the Russian Federation is located on the borders China — Kazakhstan and Europe — Belarus. There will be no customs inside this union. Those who deal with transportation inside this customs union and those who leave its borders will be free from unnecessary procedures. However, we should remember that presidents of our countries have set the task for us to transit from the customs union to the single economic space next year. Then a personal carrier won’t have to be protected because in this system all the carriers are friendly: in Kazakhstan, Belarus and Russia. We won’t manage to control coastal navigation. However, we will live in the single economic space.
Minister of Transport of Belarus Ivan Shcherbo claimed that transport documents for creation of the single economic space are already prepared. The plan of events for creating of the single economic space has two directions. The Parties will try to liquidate all barriers on automobile transport routes — customs, transport control and other formalities.
— We resolved to take necessary measures to put the agreement on the single transport control into force from January 1, 2011, — Ivan Shcherbo underlined, — I hope that from January 1, 2011 we will transit to the single transport control in Russia and Belarus.
Works for expansion of this document within the frames of the “trio” continues — Kazakhstan will join it. The draft agreement is already prepared.
November 22, 2010
Draft order on adoption of Compulsory regulations in the sea port Prigorodnoye is worked out
Ministry of Transport of Russia prepared a draft order on adoption of Compulsory regulations in the sea port Prigorodnoye.
Compulsory regulations contain description of the sea port Prigorodnoye, rules of vessel calls and exits from the sea port, ship cruising in the port, description of the zone of operation of vessel traffic control systems and rules of cruising in these areas, rules and places of moorage in the sea port.
The port Prigorodnoye is the first Russian specialized sea port constructed for handling oil tankers and vessels transporting liquid natural gas. The port is equipped with a quay for liquid natural gas loading and terminal for oil loading.
November 19, 2010
Common state pilot service will resolve all pilots’ disputes
Disputes about collaboration of private and state pilots in the sea ports of Russia may be resolved by creating a common pilot state service, as Chairman of the Commission of the Federation Council for National Maritime Policy Vyacheslav Popov said today at the Russian Transport Week in Moscow. “Disputes about pilots will be resolved: a common state pilot service will appear”, — said Mr Popov.
Director General of the Federal State Unitary Enterprise “Rosmorport” Igor Rusu claimed that Rosmorport will give up its pilot service for the benefit of creation of the common state pilot service.
November 18, 2010
JSC “Zelenodolsk Plant Named After A.M. Gorky” will lay down speed marine vessel of the new project on November 19
JSC “Zelenodolsk Plant Named After A.M. Gorky” (Republic of Tatarstan) will lay down the new speed vessel on November 19, 2010.
The craft of A145 project worked out by the Petersburg company JSC “Agat Design Bureau” is destined for passenger transportation via coastal marine routes on lines stretching to 200 miles. Displacement of the vessel is about 80 tons, deadweight — about 16 tons, speed — no lesser than 40 knots, passenger capacity — 150 persons. Propeller system of the ship consists of two propellers VD-525M produced by the Plant Named After A.M. Gorky.
Laying down of the first serial vessel of A145 project is coincided with 115 anniversary of the plant.
Zelenodolsk Plant Named After A.M. Gorky is a leader among Russian shipbuilding enterprises in the area of fast ships. In 2008-2009 it produced four crafts of A45-1 project for the Kranoyarsk krai. On the whole, the enterprise has manufactured over 400 passenger speed vessels.
November 17, 2010
Ivanov called for development of transit potential of Russia
Transit potential should be developed in Russia, as Vice Prime Minister of the Russian Federation Sergey Ivanov announced. He said that according to the Transport Strategy of the Russian Federation to 2030, one of priority directions of development of Russian transport sector is Russia’s integration into the world market of transport services and development of transit potential of the country.
“In this regard, we pay special attention to introduction of modern technologies of collaboration of various modes of transport and creation of effective logistic routes. Level of logistical costs and risks determines the level of Russia’s attraction for development of international commodity flows. Reduction of time spending and removal of various barriers will allow to cut transportation costs of Russian products and transit cargoes. As a result, it will allow to reveal transit potential of our country, create a new branch of domestic economy and integrate into the world transport system”, — Ivanov underlined.
He believes that one of the crucial conditions of the set tasks is development of transport corridors, crossing the RF territory. As an example Vice Prime Minister named Europe — Western China international transit corridor, integrating Russia with countries of the Central Asia.
November 16, 2010
St. Petersburg may lose its status of the sea capital of the country
In the nearest future the cargo port will be transferred from St. Petersburg. Plans for liberation of the city from port capacities are provided by the Strategy for development of the Russian ports to 2030, that Federal State Unitary Enterprise “Rosmorport” started working out.
“Rosmorport” new strategy may be adopted by the Prime Minister of the Russian Federation Vladimir Putin by the end of 2011. The author of the idea of transferring the port from St. Petersburg is Director General of “Rosmorport” Igor Rusu, who was the head of “Sea Port of Saint Petersburg” earlier.
— If the port of the city can’t fulfill its functions properly in the place where it is located, it should be transferred to another place. It will liberate valuable areas of the city having high potential of the commercial use. If only one project is implemented, St. Petersburg will turn to quite a different city, — President of the All-Russian organization of privatized and private enterprises Grigoriy Tomchin believes.
This project has already divided experts into opponents and supporters. Thus, opponents claim that the city will lose investments of several billion roubles that will be allocated into new port regions — Lomonosov and Bronka. The city will lose its status of the sea capital of the country.
— Strategy for development of the city hasn’t changed for 300 years, from the day of the city’s foundation by Peter the Great. We have exit to the sea and we will develop the port, — Vice Governor of the city Mikhail Oseyevskiy claimed.
However, head of the Committee for transport and transit policy of St. Petersburg Nikolai Asaul says that the city’s budget shouldn’t lose profit, which may be caused by the port’s transferal. — It is our jobs and taxes, — Asaul explains.
Today almost all the territory of the port belongs to the city and is rented by the port operators for 9 years. “Rosmorport” reports that the port brings over 900 million dollars a year.
Thus, all pieces of land that are occupied by the cargo port are rented by the administration of the port. According to the strategy for development and expansion of the RF ports to 2030, St. Petersburg should be liberated from all the port capacities: passenger and freight.
Strategy for development of the sea port infrastructure of Russia to 2030 will be discussed in Moscow on November 17, 2010 under the guidance of Minister of Transport of the Russian Federation Igor Levitin. If public discussion of the strategy is successful, it will be completed by the first quarter of 2011. Then it will be submitted to the government for endorsement.
November 15, 2010
Volume of railway cargo turnover in the Russian Federation in 2010 will be 9% lower than the pre-crisis level — Vladimir Yakunin
Decrease of volume of railway cargo turnover in 2010 may comprise 9 percent compared to the pre-crisis level, as President of the JSC “RZD” Vladimir Yakunin claimed today at the meeting with the Prime Minister of the Russian Federation Vladimir Putin.
However, head of RZD informed that “compared to the previous year volume of railway cargo turnover increased by 11 percent”, as ITAR-TASS informs.
Speaking about results of production activity of the company for 10 months of 2010, head of the company noticed that RZD “reached better results than it was planned to”. “For instance, labour productivity will increase by more than 13 percent. Consequently, we will fulfill our obligation for increase of salary”, — he added. “We will make it in accordance to your recommendations: salary will grow by 10 percent”, — said Yakunin.
November 13, 2010
Automobile sphere needs intelligent transportation systems most of all — Sergey Aristov
Intelligent transportation systems should be introduced first of all in the automobile sphere of Russia, — Deputy Minister of Transport of Russia Sergey Aristov claims.
Mr Aristov believes that intelligent transportation systems should be put into operation in all branches of the transport sector of the Russian Federation. First, ITS should be introduced into automobile transport, its cargo public sector, and then — into aviation and marine fields, — deputy minister notices.
“The purpose is to create a robot that will level down errors caused by human factor”, — Mr Aristov explained.
On the railway road ITS may solve the crucial issue of empty cars, — deputy minister claims.
“Empty cars go through the whole country because of the lack of the rolling stock equipment. In the time of planned economy if a car arrived in the Far East with cargo, it returned with another cargo, — Mr Aristov noticed. — Today because of the fact that cars are mostly private and different people participate in the process of transportation, a car should be driven to another place. ITS should become the basis for common intellectual logistic system that will coordinate the transportation process on junction points, control cargoes, speed and security questions.”
“ITS doesn’t fulfill only the control function, it is not Global Navigation Satellite System. ITS should take into account functions of shipper, rolling stock operators, passengers and etc., so that one could push the button, set the task and the system could give the way how to solve the issue less costly”, — Mr Aristov resumed.
November 12, 2010
In the Irkutsk region the federal road around the regional center will be put into operation
Transport by-pass of Irkutsk will be put into exploitation on November 13, as governor of the Irkutsks region Dmitry Mezentsev claimed.
Minister of Transport of Russia Igor Levitin will take part in the solemn ceremony of opening of the highway. Besides, it is expected that head of the Federal Highway Agency “Rosavtodor” Anatoly Chabunin will also participate in the event.
The governor of the region noticed that construction of the automobile road around Irkutsk is caused by objective reasons — increasing flow of transit transportation, low capacity of the existing road and its poor technical state. The new highway will decrease the traffic load on the territory of Irkutsk and Shelekhov and lower noise and gas-pollution level on the streets of the regional center.
Construction of the automobile road M-53 “Baikal” on the section around Irkutsk is provided by the Federal Target Programme “Modernization of the transport system of Russia 2002 — 2010.”
Length of the bypass comprises 23,94 km. The road is of the second technical grade, as press service of the governor and administration of the Irkutsk region reports.
November 11, 2010
Vessels’ demurrage caused by control procedures on the border reaches 55% of time — South region freight forwarders association
Vessels’ demurrage caused by control procedures on the border reaches 30% — 55% of ship handling time. These figures are provided by the South region freight forwarders association. The Association believes that introduction of simplified electronic document management Electronic Document Procedure (EDP) in vessels handling in Sheskharis oil terminal in Novorossiysk will allow to increase the terminal capacity to 21% and double the capacity of the terminal of LLC “Caspian Pipeline Consortium” (CPC) in the port of Novorossiysk.
The South region freight forwarders association addressed the Ministry of transport of the Russian Federation with a proposal to introduce EDP system as a pilot project in the terminal of CPC first and then in other terminals.
“Areas of all Russian oil terminals are tightly guarded zones. Thus, taking into account modern monitoring facilities, supervision of tankers at the quays is easily managed. World experience shows that application of EDP procedure doesn’t decrease the quality level of functioning of supervising authorities”, — the Association reports.
November 10, 2010
Russia and South Korea signed an intergovernmental agreement on marine transport
On November 10 in Seoul during the official visit of the President of the Russian Federation Dmitry Medvedev to the Republic of Korea, Minister of transport of Russia Igor Levitin and Minister of land, transport and maritime affairs of the Republic of Korea Chung Jong-hwan signed an agreement between the government of the Russian Federation and the government of the republic for marine transport.
The agreement aims at regulation and development of trade and economic relations in sphere of marine transport between the two countries and provision of effective coordination of navigation.
According to the document, the parties support shipping companies in their collaboration for simplification of regular navigation for passenger and cargo transportation between the countries’ ports on the basis of mutual benefit. Besides, the parties collaborate for development of marine transportation between the countries’ ports. The parties also don’t hinder participation of one party in marine transportation between the ports of the other party and ports of third countries; they collaborate according to the principles of fair competition for the purpose of development of marine transportation of the both countries.
Each party will take steps for simplification and speed-up of marine transportation, precaution of unjustified delays of vessels and speed up and simplification of customs and other port formalities.
November 9, 2010
Federal Tariff Service adopted methodology of indexation of tariffs for freight transportation
The Federal Tariff Service adopted the methodology of indexation of tariffs for freight transportation, which provides a new approach: level of prices for RZD services is determined with account for long term prospects including investments with a long term pay-off period.
The document, adopted by the Federal Tariff Service, is entitled “Methodology of calculation of amount of economically justified expenses and normative profit, taken into account in the process of creating economically justified index to the current level of tariffs, charges and fees for freight railway transportation”. It is worked out in furtherance of the government decree on price formation on railway transport ¹ 643 and will become the basis for determination of the size of rate indexation for 2012.
The new idea lies in the fact that level of change of RZD tariffs will be calculated in such a way that not only financial needs of the company for the next year will be met, but also money for a long-period investment programme will be earned. Today a short-term strategy is established: the government determines the level of tariffs and then calculates if there is any necessity to grant a subsidy to RZD.
November 8, 2010
Igor Levitin will take part in the Conference of ministers of transport of the Group of Eight countries
Ministry of transport of Russia Igor Levitin will participate in the Conference of ministers of transport of the Group of Eight countries. At the meeting global issues of energetics and environment in transport sphere will be raised. Press service of the Ministry of Transport reported that the head of the ministry is on working trip in Italy on November 8-9.
Participants of the conference will discuss issues of harmful impact of transportation facilities on the environment, development of eco-friendly transportation modes, increase of effectiveness of transport system functioning — improvement of collaboration of various transportation modes, development of road system, expansion and optimization of route network of eco-friendly public transport and improvement of freight logistics.
At the Conference a Declaration of ministers of transport of the Group of Eight countries will be signed.
November 3, 2010
Government may solve the issue of ownership of locomotive draught by the end of the year — Mr Levitin
The Government of the Russian Federation may solve the issue of ownership of locomotive draught by the end of the year, as Minister of Transport of the Russian Federation Igor Levitin reported on Wednesday.
Answering the question about the reform of the JSC “Russian Railways”, Igor Levitin claimed: “There are several difficulties including locomotives that we will submit to the government by the end of the year.”
He asserted that this issue arose because partner countries of the Russian Federation in the Customs Union have different principles of regulation of the rolling stock market.
“By the end of the year the government will resolve a decision and all the laws (regulating the reform of RZD) will be adopted with account to these solutions”, — Igor Levitin added.
Primary locomotive draught stays in property of the infrastructural company of RZD while the major car-fleet composition belongs to “subsidiary companies” — Freight One and Freight Two — in which according to the decision of the government the monopoly must sell the control (Freight One) or blocking stock (Freight Two). RZD considers that liberization of locomotive draught services may be postponed due to the absence of consolidated system of management of private and state locomotives.
November 2, 2010
“Rusnano” and “Avtodor” signed an agreement on collaboration
On Tuesday state corporation “Rusnano” and state company “Russian Highways” (“Avtodor”) signed an agreement on collaboration, as press service of “Rusnano” reports.
The aim of the agreement is more active introduction of innovations in sphere of development of high-speed paid primary roads.
The parties agreed to coordinate actions in introduction of innovative solutions in construction and maintenance of primary roads. Such collaboration will contribute to effective management of public road system, decrease of expenses and improvement of legislation in application of nanotechnologies in this sphere.
The companies decided to create an interagency working group consisting of representatives of contractors and field research organizations.
According to the agreement, “Rusnano” and “Avtodor” will collaborate for improvement of technical regulation, introduction of results of research, participation in scientific, coordinating and other working groups that are responsible for introduction of innovative solutions in sphere of road construction and maintenance.
Such collaboration will contribute to popularity of the product created with application of nanotechnologies.
At the ceremony of signing the agreement chairman of “Avtodor” Sergey Kostin noticed that “creation of modern speed roads is impossible without new technologies”.
“We, surely, appreciate the experience of state corporation “Rusnano” in introducing new technologies, nanotechnologies”, — said Kostin.
November 1, 2010
In Finland Head of Karelia discussed new flights “Petrozavodsk — Helsinki”, new technopark and new boarder crossing point
On October 29 Head of Karelia Andrey Nelidov came back from the two week working trip to Finland. He said that a tentative agreement with Finnish air company on opening of regular flights “Petrozavodsk — Helsinki” at a cost of Euro 200 was achieved. Flights may start on the eve of the New years Day.
Besides, an issue on creating a technopark where Finnish companies will work out and implement pilot projects for introduction of modern technologies in the Republic, was discussed. Andrey Nelidov reported that agreement on construction of the technopark was prolonged for a year.
Andrey Nelidov also held a session on creation of a new automobile crossing point “Syvaoro” on the border in Lahdenpohja region of Karelia. Head of Karelia claimed that Finland showed a great interest towards positive solution of this issue: over 50 representatives of government authorities and private companies came to the meeting.
November 1, 2010
State banks will fund ports merger
The port of Novorossiysk plans to borrow money from Sberbank or VTB
Novorossiysk Commercial Sea Port summons an extraordinary meeting of shareholders on December 16 for endorsement of credit in amount of 1,95 billion dollars for purchase of Primorsk oil terminal. Potential creditors are Sberbank, VTB or VTB Ñapital and other banks.
Board of Directors of Novorossiysk Commercial Sea Port endorsed the purchase of Primorsk oil terminal and proposed it for consideration at the extraordinary general meeting on December 16, 2010.
Owners of the port of Primorsk — “Transneft” and “Summa Capital” investment group — will purchase the controlling stock of “Novorossiysk Commercial Sea Port “ JSC. In the result of amalgamation of Novorossiysk Commercial Sea Port and the port of Primorsk, Russian largest port operator with capacity of 150 mln tons of oil cargo will appear.
November 1, 2010
46 billion roubles will be allocated for transportation security in the Leningrad region
Money will be allocated for construction of a bridge on the cross of railway roads and introduction of Global Navigation Satellite System (GLONASS). Meanwhile, transportation security system already functions in some regions. For instance, in Tikhvin a new bus station is equipped by video surveillance system and transport of regional hospital and enterprises of housing and public utilities — by GLONASS. In Vyborg ambulance cars are equipped with satellite navigators.
October 29, 2010
October 31 is Automobile Transport Workers’ Day in Russia
Dear workers and veterans of automobile transport and road sphere! We sincerely congratulate you on your professional holiday!
Today one can hardly imagine our life without safe and reliable operation of automobile transport. Development of our country’s economy, social stability of citizens and effective functioning of enterprises depends on your responsibility and professionalism. Your work, skill and experience allow to fulfill complicated tasks for provision of safety, speed and quality of passenger and cargo traffic.
We wish good health, happiness, reliable and stable work and success to you!
October 29, 2010
Sovcomflot, OSK and Daewoo signed an agreement on construction of 12 tankers
JSC “Sovcomflot”, JSC “United Shipbuilding Corporation” (OSK) and South Korean Daewoo signed an agreement on construction of 12 tankers for transportation of raw oil and oil products, as “Sovcomflot” reports.
The agreement provides construction of 6 vessels during the period from 2012 to 2014: two food tankers LR2 (117,8 thousand tons dwt, 1C ice class according to the international classification) and four Aframax tankers for raw oil transportation (120,6 thousand tons dwt).
The signed documents provide an option of the ship owner for construction of six more vessels, as it is mentioned in the report.
“Sovcomflot” plans to put the first tanker into operation already in the middle of 2012.
Investment into purchase of these vessels is provided by the investment programme for shipbuilding for 2010-2015.
“Sovcomflot” holds the first place in the world in the section of Aframax tankers, the second place — in food tankers. Besides, it possesses vessels for work in ice conditions. The fleet has 144 vessels with total deadweight 10,5 mln tons. The government is the sole shareholder of the company.
October 28, 2010
Rosmorport plans to build a cargo district at a cost of 3,3 billion roubles in the sea port “Kavkaz” by 2013
Federal State Unitary Enterprise “Rosmorport” will build a North-Eastern cargo district in the sea port “Kavkaz” (Krasnodarskiy krai) by 2013, as press secretary of Rosmorport Irina Lobkova reported.
Within the project a ro-ro terminal will be built with capacity of 2 mln tons of cargo a year. It will have two quays with total length of 420 meters destined for vessels with draught up to 6,8 meters. The terminal will be put into operation in the fourth quarter of 2011.
Besides, a transport and logistic center for storage, keeping, primary processing and customs clearance of cargo will appear. A railway branch and an automobile road with high capacity will be built to the center.
The total volume of investments into preparation of the project and building of objects of the cargo district will cost 3 billion 286,77 million roubles. The project will be implemented according to the principles of public-private partnership.
October 27, 2010
Federation Council adopted the law on joining of Russia to the International convention on the simplification and harmonization of customs procedures
The Federation Council adopted federal laws “On joining of the Russian Federation to the International convention on the simplification and harmonization of customs procedures dated May 18, 1973 in redaction of Protocol on alterations to the International convention on the simplification and harmonization of customs procedures dated June 26, 1999” and “On ratification of the Agreement on some issues of provision of payment for customs clearance, taxes concerning goods transported according to customs duties of customs transit, on peculiarities of collecting customs duties and taxes and order of transfer of the recovered sums of money”.
The document obliges the parties to use customs audit in the system of customs clearance. For instance, production of goods with main control measures put off to the next phase, simplifies and speeds up the process of customs clearance, which allows to use administrative resources of the customs authorities more effectively.
The Convention provides a transition period during which alterations to the national legislation should be introduced. Chairman of the Committee of the Federation Council Yevgeniy Bushmin presented the law and underlined that principles of the Convention provided the basis for creation of the customs union of Russia, Belarus and Kazakhstan.
October 26, 2010
Finnlines will combine freight and passenger transportation
At the end of the week Finnlines will start up the renewed ro-ro service between St. Petersburg and the English port of Hull. Besides, in the nearest future the company plans to start up passenger transportation via the cargo line Lubeck — Sassnitz — St. Petersburg. Experts believe that Finnlines’ second initiative will be more popular on the market.
Finnlines ro-ro carrier will extend the service Hull (Great Britain) — Helsinki (Finland) up to St. Petersburg. Cargo communications between England and Russia will be weekly — vessels will depart from Hull on Saturday and arrive in St. Petersburg on Thursday next week. Three ro-ro ships with 3,2 thousand lane meters capacity (FinnHawk, Birka Carrier and Birka Express) will function on the line. First Stevedoring Company will service vessels in St. Petersburg.
Today the company services three lines with stops in St. Petersburg: the south route from Bilbao (Spain), the central one — from Antwerp (Belgium) and the traditional northern route from Lubeck and Sassnitz (Germany).
Finnlines plans to transport trailers and ro-ro cargo from Hull. Besides, food, electronics, automobiles and building materials will be also shipped.
While expanding volumes of cargo service, the company also considers a possibility to commence transporting passengers via the German line. Thus, freight and passenger ferries will arrive at the territory of the cargo port. President of Finnlines Uwe Bakosch says that such decision may become the advantage of the service because the arriving passengers will be given an opportunity to sea cargo handling at the terminal.
October 25, 2010
Opening of VI International Motor Transport Forum
On October 25, 2010 Deputy Minister of Transport of the Russian Federation Nikolai Lyamov took part in the opening of VI International Motor Transport Forum (MAF-2010), devoted to discussion of crucial issues of functioning and development of national automobile transport complex.
In his opening speech Lyamov noticed that the programme of the Forum is of practical interest to enterprises of automobile transport sector, administrations of regions of the Russian Federation, Russia’s business structures and all motor transport community.
Speaking about importance of motor transport for the country’s economy and high professionalism of personnel occupied in this sphere, Nikolai Lyamov reported that the Ministry of Transport of the Russian Federation suggested organizing a celebration of motor transport workers’ day during the Forum’s period.
Exhibition performance of professional drivers, automobile show of driving school students, contests of skill among cargo and passenger transport drivers and test-drives of automotive equipment took place at the Forum’s open area.
The programme of the Forum provides conferences, educational and informational seminars and round tables. Automobile and towed vehicles for freight and passenger transportation, constitutive elements and car components, lubricants, specialized automotive equipment for various sectors of economy and navigation systems, service equipment, refueling and car leasing will be represented at the Forum’s exhibition.
October 22, 2010
Russia is ready to sell 50% minus 1 share of the “Sovcomflot” JSC
Russia is ready to sell 50% minus 1 share of the largest shipping company “Sovcomflot” JSC. This decision was adopted at the last session of the Russian government, as First Vice Prime Minister Igor Shuvalov reported. Sale of the control block of shares of the “Sovcomflot” JSC is put off to 2015.
“Sovcomflot” JSC is Russia’s largest shipping company, one of the world’s leading energy transporters. Its fleet is among five largest tanker companies in the world: 150 vessels with 10,93 mln dwt, 9 new vessels with 0,69 mln dwt. Average age of the tanker fleet is 6,4 years. Nett income of the company according to the International Financial Reporting Standards in the first six months of 2010 reduced to 5% compared to the same period of 2009 and comprised $111,2 mln. The income for the reporting period comprised $678,6 (+10,9%).
October 22, 2010
Igor Levitin suggested creating a working group for the Moscow transport hub development
Mr Levitin claims that a working group will tackle issues of activization of the hub development programme, the strategy of which was earlier prepared together with representatives of Moscow administration. “Strategy provides complex of arrangements, for instance, increase of the role of public transport, introduction of light fixed-rail systems, common management of Moscow aviation node, transit from radial to chord highway structure, optimization of cargo traffic and antiterrorist protection of transport objects”, — the minister asserted.
October 21, 2010
New ferry line Finnlines: Bilbao — Antwerp — St. Petersburg
At the presentation of the port of Antwerp in St. Petersburg on October 20, representatives of the Finnlines company — one of the main partners of the ports of Antwerp and St. Petersburg — announced opening of the ferry line Bilbao — Antwerp — St. Petersburg. The multibranch network of the routes of the holding company Grimaldi Group will provide St. Petersburg with an additional entrance to the Mediterranean ports and the ports of West and South Africa.
Volume of cargoes transported by vessels of the company via the new route will comprise some 6 mln tons a year. Besides, each vessel may take 150 passengers on board, which will contribute to popularity of the new line.
October 21, 2010
Russia will expand scientific research in the Arctic and Antarctic – Vladimir Putin
Russia intends to expand gradually scientific research in the Arctic and Antarctic, as the Prime Minister of Russia Vladimir Putin announced at the session of the government.
The head of the government reminded that one of the agenda issues is development of Russia’s activity in the Antarctic. “It should be underlined that our country adheres to the principles of the Antarctic Contract, that USSR joined in 1960”, — said Putin.
“We intend to gradually expand Russian scientific research of the ice continent, modernize our polar stations and research fleet, take an active part in international polar projects”, — he noticed and added that Russia owns five polar stations in the Antarctic today.
“Waters of the Antarctic should remain the most important resource base for the national fishing fleet, — he said. — We have all opportunities for this”.
October 20, 2010
The investment programme of the “RZD” JSC for 2010 was increased to 315 billion roubles
The Board of Directors of the “Russian Railways” JSC (RZD) resolved to increase the investment programme of the company to 315 billion roubles, as the press service of the company reports.
The President of RZD Vladimir Yakunin claims that the decision for increase of the investment programme was caused by successful work of the “RZD” JSC in the first six months of 2010 and will be invested by means of internal funds of the company. The correction of the investment programme will allow to expand works for the infrastructure development, modernization of traction rolling stock and implementation of some investment projects.
“Russian Railways” were founded on October 1, 2003, according to the decree of the government of the RF ¹585 and to the programme of railway transport restructuring. 100% of the shares of the company belong to the Russian government. By results of the first six months of 2010 load of the railway system comprised 584,6 mln tons, which exceeds by 12,2% the results of the same period of 2009. RZD income for this period increased by 20,4%, expenses — by 7,8% and the net income comprised 58,4 billion roubles.
October 19, 2010
RZD plans to make 38 billion roubles profit from the asset sales in 2010
The “Russian Railways” JSC (RZD) expects to make over 38 billion roubles profit from asset sales and property leasing in 2010, as senior vice president of the company Valeriy Reshetnikov claimed at the session of the Collegium of the Ministry of Transport of the Russian Federation.
He explained that this year RZD will receive 20 billion roubles from sales of the shares of its subsidiaries.
“Thus, the company intends to get over 38 billion roubles from asset sales in 2010”, — he said.
Reshetnikov added that this year IPO 35% minus two shares of “TransContainer” JSC should be carried out. The transaction will be completed in “Elteza” JSC (Canadian company Bombardier) and sales of 10% block of shares of TransCreditBank will take place.
“These arrangements will allow to draw some 20 billion roubles of additional source of revenue, which is important for reinforcement of investment sources of RZD. Taking into consideration the exclusive importance of the inflow of monetary funds from the sales of shares of the subsidiary companies for financial planning of the activity it is necessary to observe the set dates and order of consideration of the petition of RZD by the federal government to get the permission for the sales by the end of the year,” — clarified Reshetnikov.
Senior vice president noticed that RZD continues leasing its property and selling unused assets.
“Over 7 billion roubles will be collected from sales and leasing this year”, — he added.
Besides, Reshetnikov stated that RZD got 11,8 billion roubles selling 63 thousand used cars.
October 18, 2010
RZD may organize transportation of automobiles with cargo between the Russian Federation and Finland
In future the “RZD” JSC may organize transportation of automobiles, semi-trailers and removable automotive bodies with cargo via railway (so called contrailer transportation) on the route Moscow — St. Petersburg — Helsinki.
“Thanks to this strategy trucks may collect trailers without waiting for cars to be unloaded”, - RZD-TV remarks and adds that this type of transportation is already used in Europe while the Russian Federation needs technical support for its implementation.
Meanwhile, vice president of RZD Vyacheslav Lemeshko states that such traffic is unprofitable because “dimensions limitations” lead to high operating expenses for rolling stock. However, he admits that the majority of the EU countries subsidize this type of transport service to decrease the impact on environment and roads.
Chairman of the Committee for Transport of the State Duma of the Russian Federation Sergey Shishkaryov also believes that contrailer transportation should develop and in 2012-2013 expenses for road construction will decrease.
Technical and technological peculiarities of contrailer transportation via railways with 1520 mm gauge will be discussed at the sessions of the committees for transport of the State Duma of the Russian Federation and the Russian Union of Industrialists and Entrepreneurs together with heads of RZD.
In the nearest 3 years “Russian Railways” intend to allocate 9 billion roubles into resource saving technologies, as RZD-TV reports. Priority will be given to projects, allowing to decrease fuel and electricity consumption and reduce energy and material content of production processes.
October 15, 2010
October 17 is public road system workers' day in Russia
Number of workers of public road system and adjoint spheres in Russia is 750 thousand people. Development of economy of our country depends on these workers, because it is good roads that considerably increase volumes of sales turnover and contribute to the regions’ competitiveness growth.
Public road system workers' day is a holiday for those who build highways and bridges, provide their maintenance, exploitation and safe highway service on the territory of Russia.
On behalf of the Project “St. Petersburg — the Sea Capital of RUSSIA” we sincerely congratulate all the workers of the road public system and wish them professional success!
October 14, 2010
Port Ust-Luga breaks logistics schemes on the Baltic
On October 18 Port Ust-Luga will receive an ocean vessel with Hyundai automobiles on board.
“Arrival of the ocean automobile carrier in port “Ust-Luga” may become the beginning of destruction of old logistics schemes in the Eastern part of the Baltic sea”, — claims regional development expert Sergey Artemenko.
Ocean automobile carriers have never entered Russia directly before. Usually, a large vessel reached European ports of the Baltic and unloaded goods there. Later these goods, including automobiles, were delivered to our country by trucks.
Artemenko says that arrival of this ocean vessel with automobiles is only the first step. “With this large port on the territory of Russia, Chinese and Western manufacturers will more likely deliver goods directly to the territory of the Russian Federation and only then to the neighboring countries — Estonia, Latvia and Finland”, — stated the expert.
Company Ust-Luga JSC possesses “Yug-2” multipurpose transshipping complex in port Ust-Luga. The complex is intended for transloading of rolling cargo, including new import automobiles, container and general cargo. First start-up complex of the terminal was put into operation in June 2008.
October 13, 2010
Russia integrated into TRACECA
Having established international ferry connection between ports of Makhachkala (Russia), Aktau (Kazakhstan) and Turkmenbashi (Turkmenistan), Russia integrated into the Transport Corridor Europe-Caucasus-Asia (TRACECA), as senior vice-president of JSC “RZD” Valeriy Reshetnikov announced on October 13 in Baku.
“The port of Makhachkala is capable of handling 20,5 thousand cars a year, which is enough to perform necessary ferry transportation through the East-West and North-South corridors”, — said Reshetnikov.
For development of ferry traffic RZD got down to purchasing ferries and ferry crossings on the Black, Caspian and Baltic seas.
October 12, 2010
Rules for cargo transportation for Sochi Olympic objects are adopted
By the decision of the government of the Russian Federation ¹ 792 dated October 5, 2010, rules of organization of cargo transportation for the purpose of construction of Olympic objects and development of Sochi, as mountain climate resort, are adopted. According to Sochi branch of the Federal State Unitary Enterprise “Rosmorport”, the rules regulate relations in sphere of organization of transportation of the Olympic cargo during the preparation for the XXII Olympic Winter Games and the XI Paralympic Winter Games 2014 in Sochi.
The rules and agreements regulate relations between carriers, operators of sea terminals of the Sochi transport hub, executive managers of the program, confirmed by the decree of the government of Russia for construction of Olympic objects and development of Sochi and the authorized company in sphere of organization of management and control of the Olympic cargo transportation.
According to the point 2 of the decree, functions of the authorized company in sphere of organization of management and control of the Olympic cargo transportation should be fulfilled by the organization “Transport Directorate of the Olympic Games”.
The decree comes into force on December 1, 2010 according to the point 3 of the mentioned decree.
October 11, 2010
The Arkhangelsk and Murmansk regions will combine their efforts for exploration of the Stockman gas field
The Arkhangelsk and Murmansk regions will combine their efforts for exploration of oil and gas fields in polar seas of Russia. In the nearest future regions will sign an agreement about collaboration and will begin its implementation.
Strategic partnership of the two regions will allow reducing risks that hamper gradual development of economic projects and underline advantages of each northern region.
“The railroad connecting the Murmansk region and “grand land” is occupied by 100%. Thus, it is evident that the major part of cargo for the Stockman gas field should be delivered via the Arkhangelsk port, — as the government of the region reports. — The Arkhangelsk region is ready to locate on its territory logistics and distribution center and integrated provision base for the Stockman gas field exploration for the project of development of the first phase of the Stockman gas field”. The Arkhangelsk region has all conditions for implementation of this project: the extended infrastructure of the Arkhangelsk sea port, spare production areas, reserves of energy resources, gasification of combined heat and power plant and closeness to large industrial centers of the country. Negotiations with strategic field-oriented investors for creation of infrastructure of the integrated provision base are currently being carried out.
Due to its closeness to the deposit, the intermediate provision base on the archipelago New Land (the Arkhangelsk region) will allow the project operator reduce risks of working in severe climatic conditions of the Arctic and increase economic effectiveness of the project. New Land is the nearest land point to the Stockman gas field.
Today the Arkhangelsk region is a strategic center of transport logistics in the North, where automobile, railway, river, sea and air routes meet. Free capacity of the Northern railway is a strategic reserve that allows considerably increasing volumes of cargo traffic in the northern directions in a short period of time. Free capacity of the Northern railway allows handling about thirty additional trains per diem.
October 8, 2010
New typical scheme of pass across the state boarder of the Russian Federation in sea ports will be adopted within a month — Aleksey Klyavin
New typical scheme of pass across the state boarder of Russia in sea ports will be adopted within a month, as director of the Department of state policy in sphere of sea and river transport of the Ministry of Transport of Russia Aleksey Klyavin announced. Draft alterations to the Typical scheme was published by the Ministry of Transport of Russia on October 5, 2010. Thus, the corresponding order may be signed by minister of transport Igor Levitin already in November 2010. This will allow conducting loading and unloading together with the commission work on the vessel, which will considerably reduce the duration of stay of vessels in sea ports.
In future, alterations will be introduced into the legislation. They will allow canceling commission examination of ships in ports. Aleksey Klyavin stated that corresponding amendments to the law about State boarder of Russia are being currently prepared by the Ministry of Transport.
“We have discussed our principle position about cancellation of commission observation of ships with our control authorities”, — underlined Aleksey Klyavin.
October 8, 2010
Dmitry Medvedev signed the law on ratification of the agreement about change order of date of customs clearance payment in the Customs Union
The President of Russia Dmitry Medvedev signed a federal law “On ratification of the agreement about grounds, conditions and change order of date of customs clearance payment in the Customs Union”. The document was adopted by the State Duma of Russia on September 24, 2010, approved by the Federation Council on September 29, 2010 and placed on the website of the Kremlin.
The agreement about grounds, conditions and change order of date of customs clearance payment, signed in Saint Petersburg on May 21, 2010, is ratified be the federal law. Adoption of the agreement is caused by the necessity of creation of the legislation of the Customs Union within the frames of Eurasian Economic Community. This agreement aims at conducting common policy in sphere of customs clearance charge on the united customs territory of the Customs Union.
October 7, 2010
Russia and Algeria have signed an agreement about collaboration in sphere of sea transport
Russia and Algeria have signed an agreement about collaboration in sphere of sea transport. The document states that trading vessels are able now to perform direct cruises to ports of the two countries. Besides, visa free regime is set for seamen.
The previous agreement was signed in 1973 by the former USSR and didn’t meet safety requirements of navigation.
According to the new agreement modern safety facilities should be used in case seamen need help. Tariff policy is also worked out in the document: implementation of the new agreement will allow reducing freight costs.
October 5, 2010
Russia and Belarus signed an agreement on simplification of automobile cargo transportation
On October 5, 2010 an agreement between the government of the Russian Federation and the government of the Republic of Belarus on transport (automobile) control on the outer boarder of the union state was signed in Minsk. Minister of Transport of Russia Igor Levitin and Minister of Transport and Communications of the Republic of Belarus Ivan Shcherbo signed the document, as press service of the Ministry of Transport of Russia reported.
This agreement simplifies traffic of goods and transport vehicles on the territory of the union state, provides common approach for performing control of international automobile transportation on the territory of the Russian Federation and the Republic of Belarus.
Transport vehicles going to the government of one party via the territory of the government of the other party are subject to transport (automobile) control in control points situated on the outer boarder of the union state. Check and presentation of the results of transport control are carried out in accordance with the legislation of the government of the party, the territory of which is crossed on the outer boarder of the union state.
At the control points not only transport control, but also check of correspondence of weight parameters and size of a transport vehicle to the norms and data stated in a special permit for transportation of large-dimensional and (or) heavy loads on the territory of the two countries is carried out. Besides, they check if the carrier has a permit for passage through the territory of the country, if it corresponds to the type of the performable transportation and if the characteristics of the transport vehicle correspond to the demands of the permit. The receipt for payment of fees for transport vehicle passage through the automobile roads of the governments of the parties is also checked in case the payment of such fee is obligatory according to the legislation.
If the controlled parameters of the transport vehicle don’t correspond to the norms, necessary documents are absent or incorrect, the transport control department issues a notification to the driver and determines the nearest control point of the transport control department of the other country at which the carrier should produce the corrected documents.
According to the agreement, the parties intend to harmonize their legislation of the demands to weight parameters of transport vehicles, creation of a control system of payments of fees for passage through public roads of the government of the other party and also work out a mechanism for regulating disputable situations that may emerge with the carriers of other countries.
October 4, 2010
The “Georg Ots” ferry stopped in the port of Petropavlovsk-Kamchatskiy after Northern Sea Route passage
Today, on October 4, auto-passenger ferry “Georg Ots” stopped in the port of Petropavlovsk-Kamchatskiy after the Northern Sea Route passage from St. Petersburg to Vladivostok. The ferry became the first passenger vessel that went through the Northern Sea Route, as the Transport Agency of the Kamchatskiy Krai reported. The ship belongs to the Federal State Unitary Enterprise “Rosmorport”.
The ferry left St. Petersburg on August 28. The vessel stopped in Petropavlovsk to refuel, replenish with water and marine stores.
The Administration of the Kamchatskiy Krai underlines that thanks to development of navigation via the Northern Sea Route the Petropavlovsk-Kamchatskiy port has “a considerable potential for becoming Russian port-hub of the international significance”.
The ferry goes to Vladivostok, where it will cruise on the local ferry lines and since 2012 — it will service the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation Summit.
October 4, 2010
The Murmansk region is ready for implementation of the projects within the frames of the Murmansk Transport Hub
The Murmansk region is ready for implementation of the projects within the frames of the Murmansk Transport Hub, as governor of the Murmansk region Dmitry Dmitrienko said at the meeting with Vice Prime Minister of the government of Russia Sergey Ivanov after the session of the Maritime Collegium.
During the meeting Sergey Ivanov stated that the draft decree about creation of a special economic zone in Murmansk was already submitted to the government of Russia for endorsement. When the decree is adopted the Murmansk Transport Hub will receive benefits for transport hub creation on the basis of private-public partnership. Ivanov stated that all the necessary decisions for creation of not simply a port but a transport hub were made.
“We have prepared all the documents for implementation of the projects, — underlined Dmitry Dmitrienko. — Investors are also ready. Signing of all documents will allow to considerably improve investment climate, increase regional enterprises advantages for the Stockman project tendering”.
October 1, 2010
The II Arctic International Economic Forum opens in Murmansk
The II Arctic International Economic Forum opens in Murmansk. Over 120 Russian and foreign companies will take part in the event. Within the framework of the Forum, a meeting of Maritime Collegium of the Government of Russia chaired by Vice Prime Minister Sergey Ivanov will be held on October 2.
Issues of implementation of the strategy “The Foundations of the State Policy of Russia in the Arctic until 2020 and beyond”; of the investment project “Development of Murmansk Transport Hub” and measures for development of maritime and economic activities in the Murmansk region; of the new program for advancement of maritime activities for 2013 — 2020, providing continuity of the Federal Target Program “The World Ocean”.
September 30, 2010
15 applications for vessel conducting along the Northern Sea Route were submitted to “Atomflot”
In 2011 the number of vessels that will go via the Northern Sea Route will considerably increase. At the conference “Strategic prospects for international integration of the sea transport of Russia” in St. Petersburg Deputy Minister of Economic Development of the Murmansk Region Viktor Gorbunov reported that 15 applications for navigation via this route in 2011 were received by the Federal State Unitary Enterprise “Atomflot”.
He reminded that in 2010 navigation through the Northern Sea Route expanded. In August the tanker “SCF Baltica” and the Norwegian bulk carrier “Nordic Barents” departed for the Chinese port Ningbo and later the ferry “Georg Ots” also followed the route.
September 29, 2010
Annual increase of the volume of container transportation in Russia will comprise 10% by 2015
According to the research of the A.T.Kearney consulting company the volume of container cargo transportation in Russia in 2011 will reach the pre-crisis level of 2008, and by 2015 it will comprise 2,1 mln TEUs. “Thus, market will grow by 10% a year, twice exceeding GDP growth rate”, — experts announce.
A.T.Kearney asserts that stable growth in the first six months of 2010 allows drawing a conclusion that container transportation market in Russia recovers from the financial crisis. Besides, market possesses “considerable potential for increasing of containerization level”, as the company states. A.T.Kearney also assumes that transportation of building materials, cellulose, paper and chemicals will provide the growth of the domestic market.
The company distinguishes three main conditions in which container transportation market will grow in the long term. Experts claim that infrastructure should be improved first of all: new sections should be built in the country, terminals and railway lines leading to sea ports and warehouses should be modernized.
Besides, cargo delivery time should be shortened through optimization of trains collecting and car classification on the way and intensification of container trains operation. The third factor is “market positioning” determined by flexible tariffs of JSC “RZD”. “The so-called universal approach should be reconsidered for the purpose of successful competition with automobile short distance traffic”, as A.T.Kearney notices.
September 28, 2010
A number of objects of the Belomor Canal is reconstructed
From September 21 to 23 after steel constructions were replaced the mitering gate of the downstream end of the lock ¹3, the emergency repair gate of the lock ¹12, the mitering gate of the downstream end of the lock ¹17 were put into service in the “Belomorkanal” (The White Sea — Baltic Sea Canal). Today 12 functioning mitering gates and 9 emergency repair gates are changed on the canal.
On September 22, 2010 the after bay of the lock ¹ 11 was put into operation after its reconstruction. This was the fourth and final phase — putting the object into exploitation, “X phase of reconstruction of the Northern slope of the Belomor — Baltic Canal”.
The White Sea-Baltic Canal (Belomorkanal) joins the White Sea to the Onega Lake and has exit to the Baltic Sea and Volga-Baltic Waterway. The Canal was constructed during the period from 1931 to 1933 in an extremely short term. It stretches for 227 km and has 19 locks. The canal is serviced by the White Sea — Onega State Territorial Department for Waterways Management and Navigation.
September 28, 2010
The Azov Sea Port put into service the $40 mln container terminal
JSC “Azov Sea Port” (The Rostov region) put into exploitation a container terminal with capacity of 75 thousand TEU, as member of the Board of Directors of the enterprise Vladimir Volkov announced.
The new container terminal will contribute much to development of intermodal transport through the port and exploration of new shipping lines. Besides, it will allow increasing the import share in cargo turn-over to 40% in 2011 against 5% at the present moment, and in a year — to 50%.
The international Azov Sea Port functions in conditions of year-round navigation and handles “river-marine” vessels with 5 thousand tons capacity. In 2010 the Azov Sea Port plans to handle not less than 2 mln tons of cargo against 1,303 mln tons in 2009.
September 27, 2010
The second flight strip opens in the “Tolmachyovo” airport
Minister of Transport of the RF Igor Levitin took part in the solemn ceremony of putting the second flight strip of the “Tolmachyovo” airport into operation.
Thanks to the second flight strip the capacity of the “Tolmachyovo” airport has increased to 36 flight take-offs and landings per hour. The airport is now capable of handling all the existing types of aircrafts. “Tolmachyovo” became the third aerodrome in the Asian part of Russia awarded with certificate of the second category of the International Civil Aviation Organization.
The second flight strip is 3,6 thousand meters long and 60 meters wide. It is situated perpendicularly to the first strip and together with infrastructure objects covers the area of 315,2 hectares.
Igor Levitin noticed that the second flight strip provides an opportunity for transit planes from Europe and the USA to land in Novosibirsk.
“This will allow to use the geographic position of the country more efficiently and increase the volumes of transit air transportation via Russia’s territory”, — underlined the Minister. He stated that the “Tolmachyovo” airport now possesses all opportunities to increase the passenger flow by 10-15% per year.
On the same day Igor Levitin took part in opening of another section of the Northern by-pass around Novosibirsk. The new section is 11,2 kilometers long.
September 24, 2010
387 billion roubles will be allocated for road repair in 2011
Funding of repair and construction of roads in 2011 will comprise 387 billion roubles, as Prime Minister of the RF Vladimir Putin reported at the session of the Government of the RF.
“Thanks to creation of road funds we will be able to allocate 387 billion roubles for repair and construction of roads, which is 20% more than this year”, — he said.
Putin also stated that support of such branches as aircraft engineering (volume of funding in 2011 will comprise 48 billion roubles) and shipbuilding (in 2001 — 14 billion roubles) still remains a priority.
September 24, 2010
Week of fighting against “convenient flags”
Week of struggle against “convenient flags” will be held in the Baltic and in ports of the countries of the Asia-Pacific Region from September 27 till October 1, 2010. Coordinator of the International Transport Workers’ Union in Russia Sergey Fishov reported that the campaign will be held in the ports of Kaliningrad, St. Petersburg and foreign ports of Scandinavian countries, Germany, Poland, Denmark and other countries. Meanwhile, “Week of struggle against convenient flags” will also take place in ports of the Far East of Russia, Korea, Taiwan and Japan.
During this week the workers’ union inspectors will visit vessels under “convenient flags”, collective agreements will be signed and support to sailors in their relations with employers will be provided.
“A convenient flag” is an economic law term for a set of conditions, provided by the government of a country to non-residents — owners of foreign vessels that will cruise under the flag of the country that will create these conditions.
September 23, 2010
The International Arctic Forum was held in Moscow
Prime Minister of Russia Vladimir Putin took part in the International Arctic Forum “The Arctic: Territory of Dialogue” in Moscow.
He indicated three main priorities of Russia in the Arctic. The first priority concerns creation of favourable living conditions. The second one is about “supporting new areas of economic growth and attracting large-scale national and foreign investments into the region”. “Besides, it should be noted that no industry project will be implemented in the Russian Arctic without meeting the highest environmental requirements. This is our strict position”, — pointed out the Russian Prime Minister. Therefore, the crucial strategy of all the arctic countries is large-scale introduction of resource-saving smart breakthrough technologies functioning in harmony with nature.
He noticed that “in 50 years the Arctic may become one of the main sources of energy supply and crucial transport hub of the planet”. The third priority concerns “significant investment into scientific environment-protection infrastructure”, — stated Vladimir Putin.
“We plan to improve our arctic territories: to take away the dumps from the islands and water areas of the Arctic Ocean, increase the number of national parks and reserves. For instance, last year we opened “The Russian Arctic” national park on the islands of the Novaya Zemlya Archipelago. Its area is almost 1,5 mln hectares. In collaboration with American colleagues the project for creation of “Beringia” national park in Chukotka and Alaska is being worked out”, — he reported.
September 22, 2010
RZD and SNCF signed a declaration of collaboration
President of the JSC “RZD” Vladimir Yakunin and president of the French National Railway (SNCF) Guillaume Pepy signed the joint declaration of collaboration, as press service of the Russian carrier reports.
The declaration was signed in Berlin within the framework of Inno Trans-2010 — International Trade Fair for Transport Technology.
The parties declared determination to collaborate in sphere of development of transport and freight terminals within the “Europe — Asia” transport corridor and to improve the performance quality in order to increase traffic volume.
The parties also intend to contribute to attracting investments and carrying out common project by means of creation of joint enterprises or signing commercial agreements aimed at implementing certain projects for bilateral cooperation in the sphere of railway transport.
September 21, 2010
Moldova won’t join the Customs Union
RBC reports that the Republic of Moldova won’t join the Customs Union that was created by the Russian Federation, Belarus and Kazakhstan, as the Vice prime minister, Minister of Economy of Moldova Valeriy Lazer stated at the press conference in Kishinev today.
He noted that the next step of the Customs Union development will be the creation of supernational structures, which will lead to political integration of the member countries. Moldova doesn’t share this strategy. The head of the Ministry of Economy underlined that economic integration of the republic within the CIS countries on the basis of the Free Trade Agreement is enough for Kishinev and doesn’t contradict the process of Moldova’s European integration.
September 20, 2010
Board of directors of “RZD” has chosen the head of the Second Freight Company
Board of directors of the JSC “RZD” appointed former deputy head of the Federal Tariffs Service Vitaliy Yevdokimenko Director General of the JSC “Freight Two”, as member of the board of directors of “RZD”, managing director of “Troika Dialogue” Andrey Sharonov reported.
“He is not appointed yet, but the candidacy is approved”, — he said.
As it was previously reported, the Second Freight Company should start business activities from the 1st of October. Earlier, the Ministry of Transport and “RZD” approved the mechanism of forming its registered capital by transferring the freight car park of “RZD” to the new company.
The decision about the gradual transfer of the wagon park of “RZD” to two freight companies was made in spring 2007. In summer that year the JSC “Freight One” was founded. After the Second Freight Company was created, about 30 thousand freight wagons will remain “RZD” property.
September 20, 2010
The control stock of the First Freight Company may be sold by April, 2011
The control stock of JSC “Freight One” may be sold by the second quarter of 2011, as head of the Ministry of Transport of the Russia Igor Levitin stated.
“This year or by the first quarter next year we will sell the controlling interest of the First Freight Company”, — “Transport today” cited the minister.
Earlier, the controlling interest of the First Freight Company was planned to be sold in the first six months of 2011, “Nothing prevents from selling the shares today, — explained Mr Levitin. — Parameters are clear. Valid estimate of shares of the First Freight Company should be conducted.”
He added that the Ministry for Economic Development is currently preparing the parameters for selling the control stock of the First Freight Company and the future “Transcontainer” IPO that will be considered at the next board of directors of “RZD”.
September 17, 2010
Considerable number of sections on the “Don” highway should become toll from 2011 – Igor Levitin
Considerable number of sections on the “Don” highway should become toll from the next year, — reported Minister of Transport of Russia Igor Levitin taking part in the International Investment Forum in Sochi.
He said that money has already been invested into the “Avtodor” company that is created for construction and exploitation of toll roads “in order to make the significant number of sections paid next year”. “This mainly concerns by-passes around large cities on the “Don” road. The total sum will comprise 17 billion roubles in 2011”, — the minister reported. “This is enough to improve the road and invite operators for the long-run service of this road”, — pointed out Igor Levitin.
M4 “Don” highway is a federal road. Its route is the following: Moscow — Vidnoye — Voronezh — Rostov-on-Don — Krasnodar — Novorossiysk. The road stretches for 1543,7 km.
September 16, 2010
Russia and Norway divided the Arctic Ocean
Russian and Norway signed a treaty on separation of the maritime space in the Barents Sea and the Arctic Ocean. According to the results of negotiations of the President of Russia Dmitriy Medvedev and the Prime Minister of Norway Jens Stoltenberg, that took place on the 15th of September, a 30-year moratorium for oil and gas extraction on the disputable section of the arctic shelf with area of 175 thousand square kilometers was removed.
NATO presence in the Arctic is not necessary, as Dmitriy Medvedev commented on signing the treaty. He said that natural resources of the Arctic don’t concern NATO. “In the Arctic we can do without NATO, because this is exactly the part of our riches that bears no relation to military commitments. We would like to make the zone of the arctic collaboration peaceful and calm”, — claimed the President.
Bilateral negotiations on the sea border between Norway and Russia has been carried out since 1970.
During the negotiations, Russia suggested dividing the disputable water area according to the “sector principle” of the polar territories borders, established in 1926, that went along the meridian and stretched from the land border line at the Arctic shore to the North Pole. Norway insisted on the sea border along the “median line”. In the end it was decided to divide the disputable territory with area of 175 thousand square kilometers in equal parts.
September 15, 2010
The Consolidated Shipbuilding Corporation and Sovcomflot intend to sign an agreement on construction of 10-12 tankers for $700 mln
This week JSC “Sovcomflot” intends to sign an agreement on construction of 10-12 tankers, as head of “Sovcomflot” Sergey Frank reported.
He said that super-size ice class tankers with deadweight capacity of 117,5 thousand tons will be built for deposit transportation from the Stockman gas field. One tanker will cost $65 mln. Thus, a series of 10-12 vessels will cost a customer approximately $700 mln.
The tankers will be partially produced at the joint enterprise of the Consolidated Shipbuilding Corporation and Daewoo Shipbuilding and Marine Engineering (DSME) “Zvezda — DSME” (the city of Bolshoy Kamen, the Primorskiy Krai), and at the Daewoo ship-yards in Korea.
Head of the Consolidated Shipbuilding Corporation Roman Trotsenko told the journalists that in November 2010 the plant “Zvezda — DSME” will be founded. The shipbuilding enterprise is to be built in 2,5 years. The first metal working section will be put into operation in May 2011.
The ship yard will cost approximately $650 mln, the major part of which will be invested by the Consolidated Shipbuilding Corporation — $500-600 mln.
September 14, 2010
JSC “RZD” will finish reconstruction of the St. Petersburg — Buslovskaya section in November 2010
Construction works of the high-speed line between St. Petersburg and Helsinki are carried out ahead of time and will be completed in November 2011, as the press service of JSC “RZD” reports.
At the end of 2010 Russian Railways plans to open the line between St. Petersburg and Helsinki. Trains “Sibelius” and “Repin” will be substituted by high speed trains Allegro on the platform Pendolino Sm6 produced by the French company Alstom.
After Allegro is put into operation, time of trip between Helsinki and St. Petersburg will shorten from 6 to 3,5 hours: the trains maximum speed is 220 km per hour. Besides, their exploitation will allow to gradually increase the number of trips between Russia and Finland.
The project is implemented in 2007 — 2011. The total cost of the project is 79,7 billion roubles (target price inclusive of VAT), of which 33,9 billion roubles should be invested into creation of high-speed line and 45,8 billion roubles — into freight traffic.
September 13, 2010
Tariffs of natural monopolies for 2011 – 2013 won’t be revised
Deputy head of the Ministry for Economic Development of the RF Andrey Klepach reported that inflation forecast increase for 2010 – 2011 notwithstanding, regulated tariffs for services of natural monopolies for 2011 – 2013 won’t be revised.
“We see no reason to revise regulated tariffs”, — deputy minister answered the journalists’ question if inflation forecast increase can lead to change of tariffs.
The inflation forecast for 2010 was increased to 7 – 8% from 6–7% and for 2011 – to 6–7% from 5,4–6,5%.
Mr Klepach said that the forecast of growth of market price for electricity for 2011 increased. He noted that the previous growth of prices comprised approximately 15 – 16% and now the forecast is increased to 16% and higher.
September 8, 2010
Second line of the Baikal-Amur Mainline may be constructed and laid to port Vanino for 400 billion roubles
Second line of the Baikal-Amur Mainline may be constructed and laid to port Vanino for 400 billion roubles. This cost estimation of the project BAM-2 was provided by Minister of Transport of Russia Igor Levitin. Thus, the Baikal-Amur Mainline may be built up to the terminal point where it was supposed to finish according to the initial plan of the famous mainline construction.
Igor Levitin noted that the capacity of the world longest Trans-Siberian Railway is “already exhausted and the traffic along the Baikal-Amur Mainline is limited”. With regard to this, the second line of the Baikal-Amur Mainline is to be constructed for transportation of mineral deposits from the Northern regions of Russia.
According to the project of the Ministry of Transport of Russia, the Trans-Siberian Railway should be destined for container and passenger transportation and the Baikal-Amur Mainline should be enlarged and occupied with cargo traffic.
The technical and economic feasibility study for the Baikal-Amur Mainline and its economic recoupment determination presupposed that cargo, mainly coal, will be transported along the mainline to port Vanino.
September 7, 2010
Terms of delivery of hydrocarbon to China may be shortened twice thanks to the Northern Sea Route
Delivery of stable gas condensate produced by the Purovsky Gas Condensate Processing Plant owned by the “NOVATEK” company, from the Murmansk port to Chinese port Ningbo has been carried out in 22 days, which is about half of time for delivery of liquid hydrocarbon by the traditional route via Suez Canal. This is mentioned in the “NOVATEK” company report on results of the experimental cruise of the oil carrier “Sovcomflot” SCF Baltica along the Northern Sea Route. On the 6th of September the oil carrier arrived to the destination port.
“Successful delivery of gas condensate and considerable cutdown of delivery time shows possibility for future supplies to China and other countries of the Pacific rim via the Northern Sea Route and prospective development of new oil and gas fields of the Yamal peninsula and the Arctic shelf”, — underlines the company press-centre.
September 6, 2010
Sea port of St. Petersburg joins stevedoring companies
The board of directors of JSC “Sea port of Saint-Petersburg” set an extraordinary general meeting concerning reorganization issues on the 11th of October2010.
The company reports that the shareholders are offered to join the association of CJSC “First Stevedoring Company”, CJSC “Second Stevedoring Company” and CJSC “Third Stevedoring Company”.
Issue of increase of the registered capital of JSC “Sea port of Saint-Petersburg” by means of additional shares will be also raised.
Earlier, the Federal Antimonopoly Service of the Russian Federation resolved to grant an application of JSC “Sea port of Saint-Petersburg” about taking over the three stevedores by the company.
September 6, 2010
Port of Sochi stopped handling cargo ships due to reconstruction works
Port of Sochi is closed for cargo vessels due to large-scale reconstruction, reported head of the department of transport and communications of the administration of the city Aleksey Smaglyuk.
He said that reconstruction that will begin in the nearest future, will involve not only quays but coast infrastructure as well. After all works are completed the port will be able to handle cruise liners of any size.
For receiving sea cargo there are several alternative “candidates”. Among them are the ports of Sochi-Imeretinsk, Tuapse and Novorossiisk. These ports have already put extra power into operation so that shippers’ current needs will be met.
September 3, 2010
“RZD” company and government of the Sverdlovsk region will create a hub at Yekaterinburg railway station
JSC “RZD” and government of the Sverdlovsk region signed an agreement about joint implementation of the project for creation of a hub in Yekaterinburg with surrounding area development.
The project provides reconstruction of the railway station, improvement of its surrounding territory and creation of a hub convenient both for passengers and business. Besides, comprehensive security measures will be carried out and “RZD-taxi” and “RZD-transfer” projects will be implemented there.
The project will be funded jointly from the regional “RZD” budget. The parties’ investments and shares in the project will be defined according to the strategy of the joint project implementation that will be prepared by the end of this year.
“The hub in Yekaterinburg will meet the highest world standards. It will be convenient for passengers to change transport. After the railway station reconstruction its territory will be considerably enlarged and this will surely increase the number of jobs in its public and business infrastructure. Modernization of the facilities and buildings for handicapped groups of population will be carried out,” – said head of the Directorate of railway stations Sergey Abramov.
September 2, 2010
“RZD” heads worked out a strategy of the Baikal-Amur Railway development
Strategy of the Baikal-Amur Railway development provides construction of the second feeder, as stated JSC “RZD” President Vladimir Yakunin. “I would like to inform you that today the strategy is already worked out. Deputy of the State Duma Vladimir Klimenko is ready to submit this strategy for consideration and further development as amendments may be necessary”, claimed V. Yakunin in his address to the Representative Plenipotentiary of the President of the Russian Federation in the Far East Viktor Ishayev during the Assembly of railwaymen in Khabarovsk.
With regard to railway transport sector, Mr Yakunin noticed that today this project implementation is the main task. “Construction of this road is a correct strategic solution”, he said.
JSC “RZD” President stated that in the crisis year traffic volume on the Far Eastern Railway increased by 30% in spite of the general volume decrease. Mr Yakunin believes that this was achieved due to the early decision to begin the implementation of the projects for improvement of the eastward railway capacity.
JSC “RZD” reports that last year transport facilities at cost of 23 billion roubles were brought into operation on the Far Eastern Railway section, this year 17,5 billion roubles are to be invested there.
Earlier Viktor Ishayev said that “Baikal-Amur Railway – 2” construction may cost 800 billion roubles. JSC “RZD” supported this project implementation at the meeting devoted to the issues of the Baikal-Amur Railway zone development.
Regional administration in collaboration with the Ministry of Transport, JSC “RZD”, companies interested in cargo traffic and potential investors prepared grounding for the railway development. Besides, agreement on creation of executive committee consisting of representatives of the Ministry of Regional Development of Russia, Representatives of the President in the Far Eastern and Siberian Federal Districts, federal subjects’ governments and interested organizations for working out initiatives concerning the programme for development of the Baikal-Amur Railway surrounding territories, was achieved.
Vladimir Yakunin reports that approximately 400 billion roubles measured in 2008 prices (about 500 billion roubles measured in 2010 prices) are necessary for the Baikal-Amur Railway infrastructure development.
September 1, 2010
Rosavtodor cut down cost of the backup road for highway in Sochi by 23%
The Federal Highway Agency (Rosavtodor) optimized design solutions for construction of the backup road for Kurortny prospect in Sochi. According to federal target programmes “Russian transport system modernization (2002 – 2010)” and “Russian transport system development (2010 – 2015)” 116,6 billion roubles are to be allocated for the backup highway construction.
The road cutting improvement and application of modern technologies and tunneling methods allowed to minimize the construction cost. After obtaining favourable conclusions of the Federal State Institution “State Expert Evaluation Department of Russia” and carrying out bidding procedure of the I turn of the highway construction the project total cost amounted to 89,3 billion roubles. Thus, the road cost may decrease by 23,4%.
The Agency announced tendering for the II and III turn of the project construction.
“Kurortny prospect backup road” Sochi freeway will begin at 172 km of the M-27 Dzhubga – Sochi (the Psakhe river) federal road and finish at the bypass of Sochi (the Agura river).
August 31, 2010
Public discussion of Moscow – St. Petersburg new highway
By order of the Ministry of Transport of Russia the Federal Highway Agency (Rosavtodor) opens hot line for public discussion of the Moscow – St. Petersburg automobile road construction project.
From 9.00 a.m. till 6.00 p.m. on weekdays Avtodor specialists will answer citizens’ questions concerning the purpose of the road building, main characteristics and terms of the project implementation. They will inform public about various variants of passing the highway and listen to citizens’ suggestions and requests. Besides, information concerning the highway construction is available on Rosavtodor official website (www.rosavtodor.ru).
Rosavtodor hot line: (495) 771-64-27
August 30, 2010
Russian roads will achieve European quality in the nearest 10 years
During the business trip to the Republic of Sakha (Yakutia) Vice prime minister – Minister of Finance of the Russian Federation Aleksey Kudrin expressed his confidence that one of the Russian classical issues – bad condition of roads – will be successfully solved in the nearest 10 years.
“With regard to the fact that next year we will increase petrol tax (by one rouble per year during three years), we create a Federal Road Fund and within approximately 5 – 7 years we will make federal road objects maintenance cost meet 70% of the normative standard”, - Head of the Ministry of Finance states. The Minister also claimed that in future this percentage will increase to 100% and quality will be brought up to the European level in the nearest 10 years.
August 30, 2010
“Amur” federal highway construction will finish in September
“Amur” federal highway construction should finish in September, reported Prime Minister of the RF Vladimir Putin
On the 30th of August meeting with the citizens of the Aksyonovo-Zilovskoye village Putin noticed that the highway is almost ready except some separate sections.
In the meantime, in his interview to the “Russia 24” channel Prime Minister admitted that “Amur” highway “looks more like a good country road than a federal highway”.
Putin agreed with the truck drivers’ comments that radio and telephone connection and service centers are almost absent on the road.
Besides, Prime Minister believes that it is the construction of “Lena” highway going northward via Yakutia to Magadan that should be paid more attention. Putin noticed that for creation of road infrastructure that is now missing it is necessary to remove administrative barriers and create attractive conditions for business activity.
August 27, 2010
Inspection campaign of liquid cargo vessels will be carried out in Autumn 2010
Concentrated inspection campaign for liquid cargo vessels falling under the Paris and Black Sea memorandums will be carried out from the 1st of September till the 30th of November 2010. Russian Maritime Register of Shipping reports that the aim of the campaign is to check liquid cargo vessels’ compliance with flooded stability requirements.
Oil, chemicals and gas carriers that fall under flooded stability requirements stated in Annex I of the International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships, MARPOL, Chapter 2 of the International Code for the Construction and Equipment of Ships Carrying Dangerous Chemicals in Bulk, Chapter 2 of the Code for the Construction and Equipment of Ships Carrying Dangerous Chemicals in Bulk and Chapter 2 of the International Code for the Construction and Equipment of Ships Carrying Liquefied Gases in Bulk will be examined.
The campaign aims to determine if the vessel meets the flooded stability requirements stated in relevant instructions; the load of the ship meets the conditions stated in the approved stability information or may be determined as within the allowable limits with the help of load inspector tool that is in possession of the ship’s captain or crew.
In the course of the campaign inspectors of state port control check: existence of approved stability information on board; the captain’s ability to understand the contents of the stability information in the foreign language; existence of flooded stability cases in the stability information; the ship’s load compliance with the flooded stability requirements in the given and following trips.
August 26, 2010
The “United Russia” requests Medvedev to suspend the construction of the highway via Khimki Forest
The “United Russia” Party addressed the President of Russia Dmitry Medvedev with a request to suspend the construction of the highway via Khimki Forest, as the party press service reports.
The citizens of Khimki and representatives of various “green” organizations repeatedly protested against highway construction that may cause environmental damage.
The future toll road will take on the major number of trucks going along the federal highway M-10 “Russia”. The road will bypass towns and cities, including Khimki. The projected speed along the freeway will be presumably limited to 150 km/h. The number of traffic lanes will vary from 10 (on the section to Sheremetyevo Airport) to 8 and 6. The new highway near Khimki and via Moscow territory was supposed to be free of charge.
Head of the Federal Highway Agency (Rosavtodor) Anatoliy Chabunin reports that the construction of the highway is to begin in October 2010 and finish in October 2013. He states that the territory is currently being prepared for construction of the road, for instance, deforestation and supply pipelines transferal is now taking place. The glade through Khimki Forest is 40 – 60 m wide. It will be widened to 80 – 100 m. Speaking about ecologists’ protest against Khimki Forest clearance, Chabunin mentions that the Ministry of Natural Resources is now choosing the sections for planting trees instead of those to be extracted. Some trees will be planted near Losiny Ostrov National Park.
August 25, 2010
German company SIF&B will invest 1 billion Euro in construction of a logistics park in the Kaluga Region
SIF&B company (Germany) specializing in transport logistics intends to invest over 1 billion Euro into creation and development of industrial logistics park near “Vorsino” technopark in the Borovsk district of the Kaluga Region, reports the press service of the regional administration.
A number of transport and logistics enterprises, railway and automobile terminals, container and storage facilities are planned to be constructed on the territory of the park.
“The investment project is implemented on the basis of private-public partnership. 5 thousand jobs are to be created by 2015”, - press service notices.
Governor of the Kaluga Region Anatoliy Artamonov claims that the implementation of the project will provide an opportunity for the region’s integration into the structure of Euro-Asian traffic flow, increase its investment potential and tax revenues into the budget.
At the end of the meeting the Kaluga region government, the administration of the Borovsk district and JSC “Industrial logistics park “Vorsino” that will implement the project, signed the cooperation agreement.
August 24, 2010
JSC “RZD” First Vice President Vadim Morozov will head the company’s delegation at the conference “Transport and transit potential”
JSC “Russian Railways” delegation will take part in the III International conference “St. Petersburg – the sea capital of RUSSIA. Transport and transit potential”. The company’s First Vice President Vadim Morozov will head the delegation and report at the plenary session on the issue of railway infrastructure development in the current conditions.
JSC “RZD” will be also represented by Head of Oktiabrskaya Railway Viktor Styopov, Head of JSC “RZD” Department for cooperation with federal and regional government structures Viktor Rebets, Advisor to President of the company Feliks Mikhailovskiy, Deputy Head of the Department for strategic planning and development of JSC “RZD” Irina Chernigina, Senior Engineer of the GiprotransTEI Institute of JSC “RZD” Yuriy Chepurkin.
JSC “RZD” will be also represented by Head of Oktiabrskaya Railway Viktor Styopov, Head of JSC “RZD” Department for cooperation with federal and regional government structures Viktor Rebets, Advisor to President of the company Feliks Mikhailovskiy, Deputy Head of the Department for strategic planning and development of JSC “RZD” Irina Chernigina, Senior Engineer of the GiprotransTEI Institute of JSC “RZD” Yuriy Chepurkin.
August 24, 2010
Section of the Federal Highway “Kolyma” is closed because of pavement destruction
In the Magadan Region the federal highway “Kolyma” is closed because of the pavement destruction caused by heavy rains.
At one part 30 meter section of the road is damaged, at another – 250 meter. Traffic is closed there.
No one was injured in the accident. Citizens came back to their villages on their own cars, 20 tank cars with fuel and lubricants and heavy trucks are waiting for traffic recovery. About 50 graders, bulldozers and other equipment are currently repairing the pavement, two ambulance crews are in charge near the washout sections.
Emergency situation regime is on because of weather deterioration in the Magadan Region. Night frosts and snow aggravate the situation while day temperature doesn’t exceed 11 degrees above zero. The road from Yakutsk to Magadan is to be repaired by the 25th of August 2010.
95 persons and 34 units of equipment are conducting the repair works at the damaged sections. Two groups of rescuers of the Ministry for Civil Defence, Emergencies and Disaster Response and ambulance crews are on duty there.
August 23, 2010
Categories and categorization criteria for transport infrastructure objects and marine and inland water transport facilities are established
Under the order of the Federal Marine and River Transport Agency of the Ministry of Transport of the Russian Federation dated July 26, 2010 the amount of categories and quantitative characteristics of categorization criteria for transport infrastructure objects and marine and inland water transport facilities are established, the press center of the Federal State Unitary Enterprise “Rosmorport” reports.
By this order four categories are distinguished in descending order of significance – the first (I), second (II), third (III) and fourth (IV).
This rating is performed on the ground of categorization criteria.
The categorization criteria are a degree of threat of unlawful interference in the activity of transport infrastructure objects and marine and inland water transport facilities and its probable consequences.
August 20, 2010
Container traffic increased in 2010
This year number of container freights grew even more than in 2008. It is a good sign because most analysts consider it to be a sort of barometer for global economy, Financial Times reports.
This Wednesday two largest container freight companies – Danish AP Moller-Maersk and Dubaian DP World, provided additional proof of economic growth.
According to Maersk in the first six months of this year the number of containers used on the company service routes increased by 13% compared with the previous year. On the routes between USA and Asia the growth comprised 11% and from and to Latin America – 18%. The growth in DP World turnover comprised 7%.
August 20, 2010
The United Shipbuilding Corporation and Korean STX company will construct a technological center for arctic shipbuilding in Helsinki
Head of the United Shipbuilding Corporation Roman Trotsenko and President of Korean company STX Finland Juha Heikinheimo agreed that on the basis of STX shipyard in Helsinki (Finland) producing only passenger cruise liners, a technological center for arctic shipbuilding should appear.
The United Shipbuilding Corporation reported that technological know-how of arctic shipbuilding will be centered in STX shipyard in Helsinki.
Expert of the Center For Analysis of Strategies and Technologies Andrey Frolov stated that by creating the technological center for arctic shipbuilding in Helsinki the United Shipbuilding Corporation aims at holding the taking position in the sphere of icebreaker production. “Finnish shipyards traditionally supported Russia in manufacturing atom and diesel-electric icebreakers. In Russia such vessels are produced only by the Baltic plant, member of the United Industrial Corporation”, - reported expert of the Center For Analysis of Strategies and Technologies Andrey Frolov.
Constructing ice-breaking vessels is the main area of activities of the United Shipbuilding Corporation. Such vessels are necessary for shelf works of Russian gas companies. Today product portfolio of the Corporation is estimated to be as high as 135 billion roubles, reports Deputy Director General of Commercial Shipbuilding of the Company Dmitry Mironenkov. The core customers are Gazprom, Rosneft and Sovkomflot. In June 2010 the United Shipbuilding Corporation, Sovkomflot and Gazprom signed an agreement about producing series of gas carrier vessels. Some of them will be constructed at the new shipyard in Kronshtadt in colaboration with the STX company.
August 20, 2010
The Ministry of Regional Development of Russia supported the initiative of the Arkhangelsk Region to explore the Arctic
In the Ministry of Regional Development of the Russian Federation a working session concerning modification of the project Strategy of Development of the Arctic Zone and National Security Protection by 2020 was held under the chairmanship of Minister Viktor Basargin. The Arkhangelsk Region was represented by Minister of Economic Development of the Region Sergey Averin. At the session the issue of renewal of the Northern Sea Route was discussed and the location of the Northern Sea Route administration in Arkhangelsk was confirmed.
The Regional Administration reported that the Arkhangelsk Region suggested even more ways of implementing the regional potential. They concern the use of the Arkhangelsk Region as the basic platform for Arctic exploration with active involvement of regional industrial enterprises and development of innovating, scientific and educational activity and use of transport and logistics potential. Such comprehensive approach presupposes collaboration with Severodvinsk machine-building enterprises in Stockman gas field exploitation, preparation of personnel for the Arctic exploration in the Northern (Arctic) Federal University. Besides, for the purpose of sustainable economic and social development of the Arkhangelsk Region as a territory of the Arctic Zone, the Ministry of Economic Development of the Region composed and presented a list of investment projects, implemented and planned to be fulfilled in the territory of the Arctic Zone in crucial branches of the region’s economy: machine-building, shipbuilding, timber processing complex, tourism. The major initiatives of the Arkhangelsk Region were accepted and will be taken into account while working out the improved variant of the Strategy.
August 19, 2010
“TransContainer” may spend 1,6 billion roubles for purchasing carriages by 2011
According to operator’s quaterly report JSC “TransContainer” plans to direct 1,6 billion roubles (excluding VAT) by the end of 2010 for purchasing fitting platforms. Besides, “TransContainer” plans to invest about 660 mln roubles in terminal modernization.
As it was previously reported, “TransContainer” investment program for 18,1 billion roubles for 2010-2012 was adopted. This money will be allocated for optimization of asset profiles, for the growth of asset competitiveness and strengthening the company’s market position.
2,1 billion roubles will be spent to modernize and enlarge the park of high-capacity containers due to growth of international intermodal transportation. About 5,5 billion more roubles will be directed in 2010 – 2012 for renovation of terminal capacity and equipment.
“TransContainer” reports that in January – June 2010 its share in the market of railway container transportation has decreased by 7,2% compared to the same period in 2009, to 52,2%. “Decrease of the share in 2010 is caused by the price adjustment carried out in 2009 and aimed at raising profitability”, - explains the company.
August 19, 2010
Kyrgyzstan studies advantages of entering the Customs Union
On the 19th of August Deputy Prime Minister of the Kyrgyz Republic Amangeldy Muraliyev stated that the Government studies pros and cons of entering the Customs Union.
“Today there is no need to join the Customs Union. At present we are thoroughly studying the current situation and possible profit for us”, - he said.
Muraliyev noticed that in case of the country’s entering the Customs Union of Russia, Kazakhstan and Belarus “customs tariffs will increase approximately by 10%”.
Meanwhile he added that the advantage of entering the Union is the opportunity for creation of additional jobs and production development in Kyrgyzstan.
August 19, 2010
In 7 months freight turnover in Russia increased by 10,5%
The Federal State Statistics Service of the RF (Rosstat) reports that freight turnover in RF in January – July 2010 increased by 10,5%, to 2724,5 billion ton-km in comparison with the same period last year.
Railway freight turnover increased by 11,1%, to 1147,7 billion ton-km, pipeline – by 10,2%, to 1380,1 billion ton-km, inland water – by 7,5%, to 27,8 billion ton-km, automobile – by 9,4%, to 107 billion ton-km, air – by 44,7%, to 2,6 billion ton-km, sea – by 8,9%, to 59,4 billion ton-km.
August 18, 2010
“Rosmorport” will carry out dredging of the Azov-Don sea canal
The Federal State Unitary Enterprise “Rosmorport” announced tendering for repair works and dredging of the Azov-Don sea canal in 2010. Tendering applications are accepted till the 26th of August. The opening of envelopes is planned on the same day. The contract price will amount maximum to 13 479 750 roubles including VAT.
The Azov-Don sea canal is situated in the north-eastern part of the Gulf of Taganrog in the Sea of Azov and stretches for 39,3 km (25,3 km in the sea, 14 km in the river from the estuary to port Azov).
August 17, 2010
Park and ride for trucks opened in St. Petersburg
On the 17th of August 2010 new park and ride opens near “Obukhovo” subway station. The Traffic Committee of the City Administration reports that the unique feature of the parking in the Gribakinykh street is that besides its usual functions of park and ride (a convenient open attendant parking near subway station for a fee equal to cost of one trip in subway), it will also accept trucks.
The park and ride is advantageously situated in the southern part of the city in Nevsky district near the exit from the Ring Motorway (KAD). Together with the truck parking near the exit from the KAD in the northern part of the city at Engels prospect they will compose a system of truck parkings: one in the North – industrial zone and “Parnas” metro, the other in the South – “Obukhovo” metro. Today truck drivers, Petersburgers as well as guests of our city, will get an opportunity to leave their cars near the Ring Motorway without driving into the city and get to the center by subway being sure of the safety of the car and cargo.
The Committee claims that park and ride for trucks on the outskirts of the city will surely improve traffic situation in the city and eliminate chaotic parkings of trucks in St. Petersburg streets.
August 16, 2010
Medvedev appealed to remove unnecessary barriers in the customs legislation
On the 16th of August the President of Russia Dmitry Medvedev held a meeting concerning the investment climate in Russia. At the meeting Medvedev noticed that expenses on customs formalities and border crossing are often unpredictable and sometimes result in failure of new manufacturing locations in the Russian Federation. The President claims that this puts Russia in a competitive disadvantage.
The President called to remove the barriers in legislation. He noticed that on the effective date of the Customs Code customs services began working actively: “It is not only about creation of cooperation ties, but it is also about competition, struggle for economic operator. In case of changing cargo traffic routes, which is rather possible in such situation, a chain of logistics business and then industry should be also changed”.
Minister of Economic Developmet Elvira Nabiullina noticed that the law about customs regulations in the Russian Federation may come into force on the 1st of October 2010. She added that thorough monitoring of law enforcement is needed in this respect: “Departmental customs services have created a “hot line” that receives current information about the new rules’ implementation. Some concerns, including import into the country for physical persons, have already risen.”
August 16, 2010
The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development may grant 650 mln roubles credit to “New Forwarding Company”
The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development reports that on the 16th of September the Board of Directors of the Bank will consider the possibility to grant a credit to JSC “New Forwarding Company” (that is a part of Globaltrans) in the amount of 650 mln roubles for 7 years.
The money is intended for renovation of the operator’s car fleet. The EBRD credit will give “New Forwarding Company” an opportunity to increase its share in the railways traffic market of the Russian Federation.
n June Globatrans granted a loan to International Finance Corporation (IFC, subsidiary to the World Bank Group). Globaltans drew $ 30 mln to IFC for 5 years for business development and increase in the number of railway vehicles.
Globaltrans specializes in metal, oil, cement and coal transportation. 50,1% of shares belongs to Transportation Investments Holding (in equal portions controlled by “N Trans” top managers Konstantin Nikolayev, Nikita Mishin and Andrey Filatov), 14,45% – Envesta Investments (51% – by Director General of Globaltrans Sergey Maltsev, 49% – by Head of the Board of Directors Aleksandr Yeliseyev). As of the end of 2009 Free-float comprised 35,31% of the registered capital.
The EBRD took part in Globaltrans IPO in 2008 and acquired 3,2% of shares for $49,55 mln.
August 16, 2010
The Federal Antimonopoly Service granted the petition of InterRail Holding on the purchase of Russian forwarding agent
The Federal Antimonopoly Service granted the petition of InterRail Holding AG (Switzerland) concerning the purchase of 100% of shares of LLC “Trans-Siberian Express Service” (TSES).
TSES is one of the largest forwarding agents in the transport market in Russia, CIS and the Baltic countries. The company handles combined transportation involving railway, sea and automobile transport through the territory of CIS, Asian and European countries. TSES is a part of the AP Moller-Maersk Group.
InterRail Holding carries out transportation in Europe, Asia and CIS countries. The company is subsidiary to the TransInvest Ltd. Holding (Great Britain), the management company of which offers assistance services in financing and managing investment projects in transport, energy, industrial and other spheres.
August 16, 2010
Director of the Department of Industry and Infrastructure of the Government of the Russian Federation Maksim Sokolov will report at the conference “Transport and transit potential”.
Director of the Department of Industry and Infrastructure of the Government of the Russian Federation Maksim Sokolov will report at the III International conference “Transport and transit potential”.
Sokolov, the former Head of the Committee for Economic Development, Industrial Policy and Trade of the Government of St. Petersburg will report at the first plenary session on “Possible ways to increase investment appeal of infrastructural transport projects”.
August 13, 2010
New economic zone in Murmansk port. Details
The Ministry of Economic Development elaborated a draft agreement on creation of a special port zone in the Murmansk Region.
Thanks to creation of such zone it will become possible to increase transit traffic via Russia. Moreover development of existing international transport corridors will begin. It is planned that creation of an economic zone will allow to increase the general cargo turn-over of port Murmansk by 2025 by 100 mln tons minimum, including coal by 45 mln tons, oil by 22,3 mln tons and containers by 4,33 mln TEU.
Murmansk port may become a set-off for the Northern Sea Route that is important for exploration of new resources in the Arctic Region. A number of new enterprises are planned to be constructed here. A repair station for underwater drilling units will be created near the Abram-Mys. A piece of land for the new depot is already chosen.
By means of implementation of modern technologies of coal transfer, modernization of the second cargo district of Murmansk trade port is planned in the nearest future. In the process of implementation of the program “Development of export of transport services” construction of various objects of transport and engineering infrastructures in the Murmansk Region is planned. The port zone area should not exceed 50 square kilometers, legislation limits its use to 49 years.
August 12, 2010
Oil carrier “Baltika” will depart from Murmansk to China via the Northern Sea Route
On the 14th of August oil carrier “Baltika” with hundred thousand tons capacity will depart under the Cyprus flag from Murmansk. It will follow the Northern Sea Route and arrive in China. Atomic icebreakers “Rossiya” and “Taimyr” will provide passage of the oil carrier in ice.
For a long time no vessel cruised from Europe to Asia along the Northern Sea Way and no oil carrier with such capacity (100 thousand tons) followed arctic routes before. The managers of “Sovkomflot” shipping company, that signed an agreement with the Federal State Unitary Enterprise “Atomflot”, and the Ministry of Transport of the Russian Federation underline the great importance of the forthcoming experimental trip. Russia is interested in development of transit shipping along the Northern Sea Route, the future of which depends on the trip’s success.
The modern atomic icebreaker “50 Let Pobedy” that is currently performing its third trip to the North Pole this year, will be involved into the experimental trip. Its crew will accomplish a specific task. After the icebreaker returns on the 17th of August special oil spill response and diving equipment will be loaded on it, and the tourists’ places will be occupied by divers and specialists in oil spill elimination.
The trip is to finish in the third decade of August and depending on the ice conditions that will determine the travel speed, oil carrier “Baltika” will enter the Pacific Ocean on the 26th – 29th of August.
August 12, 2010
The representative of the Coordination Council on Trans-Siberian Transportation will take part in the conference “St. Petersburg – the sea capital of RUSSIA. Transport and transport potential”
Secretary General of the Coordination Council on Trans-Siberian Transportation Gennadiy Bessonov will report at the first plenary session of the III International conference “St. Petersburg – the sea capital of RUSSIA. Transport and transport potential”.
The Trans-Siberian railway main line is the shortest “land bridge” between Europe and countries of the Asia-Pacific Region. Its significance in development of the world transit traffic grows and new directions for Russia’s economy development appear. Taking into account the importance of this issue Gennadiy Bessonov will report on “Major problems of transit traffic at the Trans-Siberian line and expectations of cargo owners.”
August 11, 2010
In October construction of a section of the new Moscow – St. Petersburg freeway will begin
Construction of the first section of Moscow – St. Petersburg highway will start in October 2010. The term for project implementation is three years.
Layout and route of the highway at the 15 – 58 km section are affirmed. The preparatory works are currently being performed. A 40 – 60 m wide glade is already cut through the forest. In future it will be made wider to the required 80 – 100 m. At this section re-laying of communications also takes place.
Traffic at the Leningrad highway will be less heavy and the amount of vehicles’ hazardous emission will decrease in 5 times in this region due to construction of the Moscow – St. Petersburg toll road. Passage will cost approximately three roubles per one kilometer for trucks and approximately one rouble for cars.
At the end of 2008 LLC “North-West Concession Company” (consortium, formed by European companies Vinci and Eurovia) became the winning bidder to construct the Moscow – St. Petersburg highway on the 15 – 58 km section. Total cost of the project amounts approximately to 60 billion roubles, 23 billion of which will be allocated from the Investment Fund of the Russian Federation.
August 11, 2010
Governor of the Perm Region Oleg Chirkunov will report at the III International conference “Transport and transit potential”
For many regions of the Russian Federation the issue of transport sector development is crucial in forming a balanced economic system. Some federal subjects require a modern transport infrastructure first of all for deriving profit from the cargo transit through their territory. Still there are regions enjoying powerful industrial system with a conciderable growth potential. They need wider export opportunities for resources produced and goods manufactured.
The Perm Krai is one of these regions. Today development of transport highways connecting enterprises of the Krai to country’s ports and other largest transport hubs is one of the region’s main tasks. Governor of the Perm Krai Oleg Chirkunov will take part in the III International conference “Transport and transit potential” 9 – 10 September in St. Petersburg and will report on “Significance of the “Belkomur” railway project for Russia’s economy”.
August 10, 2010
Kazakhstan and Russia have defined ways of cooperation in transport sphere
Kazakhstan and Russian delegations discussed the issues of bilateral cooperation in transport sphere within the intergovernmental commission of collaboration between Kazakhstan and Russia.
“In Alma-Aty the seventh meeting of the subcomission of transport within the intergovernmental commission for collaboration between the Republic of Kazakhstan and the Russian Federation was held… Issues on bilateral cooperation in sphere of railway and automobile transport, highways and civil aviation were discussed at the meeting”, – states the official report.
Issues of creation of favorable transit tariffs for Kazakhstan’s cargo transportation via Russian railway and increase of the competitive strength of container transportation on railway transport and creation of equal tariffs for all carriage and containers owners were discussed.
August 10, 2010
Federal Road Agency Rosavtodor will receive 17,27 billion roubles as subsidiary from the federal budget
State company “Rossiyskie avtomobilnyie dorogi” will receive 17,27 billion roubles as subsidy from the federal budget in 2010. Respective resolution ¹ 596 was signed by Vladimir Putin on the 4th of August.
The money will be directed to 4 largest Rosavtodor’s projects – construction and reconstruction of M-4 “Don” road from Moscow through Voronezh, Rostov-on-Don and Krasnodar to Novorossiisk (8,5 billion), M-1 “Belarus” road from Moscow to border with Belarus (5,7 billion), M-3 “Ukraina” road from Moscow through Kaluga and Bryansk to border with Ukraine (115,8 billion) and construction of the new Moscow – St. Petersburg highway (2,93 billion roubles). Construction of section of Moscow – St. Petersburg highway is to begin in October.
August 10, 2010
Cargo processing in Russian ports of the Caspian sea increased by 8,4% that is 5,78 million tons in the first six months of 2010
Marine administration of port Astrakhan reports that materials handling in Russia’s Caspian sea ports increased by 8,4% for the first six months of 2010 in comparison with the same index in 2009 – up to 5,78 mln tons, of which the volume of cargo transshipment increased by 30,2%, to 2,73 mln tons in port Astrakhan, by 32,2%, to 464 thousand tons – in port Olia and it decreased by 24,6%, to 2,58 mln tons in port Makhachkala.
Quantity of vessel entries into the three ports for the same period of time increased by 13% – to 4,939, of which in port Astrakhan by 21,2% – to 3700, Olia – by 60,3%, to 497, Makhachkala – decreased by 26,5%, to 742.
The representative of the port administration noticed that total cargo turn-over of the above mentioned ports may increase by 9,7% – to 11 mln 624,5 thousand tons by the end of 2010. Cargo turn-over of port Olia may reach 1 mln tons with support due to metals and construction cargo.
August 10, 2010
The representative of the Committee of Industry of the State Duma of the Russian Federation will take part in the conference “St. Petersburg – the sea capital of RUSSIA. Transport and transit potential”
Industry sector development is closely connected to transport sphere development. Renovation of movable equipment of automobile and railway transport, modernization of shipbuilding and aircraft industry is the guarantee of efficient functioning of transport infrastructure. Increase of production in mining, food, chemical, oil and gas, oil refining, wood working, medical, transport, electronic and light industry branches guarantees a continuous trade and economic cooperation of Russia and CIS and beyond.
Considering importance of industrial tasks for fulfillment of country’s transport and transit potential the Committee of Industry of the State Duma of the Federal Assembly of the Russian Federation confirmed its participation in the III International conference “St. Petersburg – the sea capital of RUSSIA. Transport and transit potential”. First Deputy Chairman of the Committee of Industry of the State Duma of the Federal Assembly of the Russian Federation Valeriy Draganov will take part in the conference.
August 9, 2010
Project of a special port zone for Murmansk
The Ministry of Economic Development and Trade of Russia prepared a draft decree on creation of a special port zone. The document states that this will allow developing intransit cargo traffic through the country and the existing transport corridors between Russia, North America, the European Union countries and South-East Asia. Besides, cargo turnover in port Murmansk will increase more than by 100 million tons by 2025. The draft decree also states that the special economic zone will bring the nearly lost fish processing market back to the country. Today almost 70% of the Russian fish trawlers are based in Norwegian port Kirkenes, taking advantage of the free economic zone. The Ministry of Economic Development and Trade reports that creation of the special port area in Murmansk will allow to stabilize the social sphere of the region and increase average monthly income of the local citizens to 45 thousand roubles.
August 9, 2010
Non-commercial partnership “Council of participants of the market of the railway vehicles operators’ services” will form a selfregulating organization.
Last week at the general meeting of the non-commercial partnership four new companies were admitted to the Council of market participants. The total number of members equals 26 now. Today according to the law “On selfregulating organizations” the partnership possesses an opportunity to create a new selfregulating organization of the participants of the railway operators’ market on the basis of the Council of market participants.
“A selfregulating organization will lead to such a market structure that will eliminate negligent participants and will leave space for strong players that follow the principle of due competition. This will guarantee sustainability and security of railway transportation”, – claimed chairman of the general committee of non-commercial partnership “Council of participants of the market of the railway vehicles operators’ services” Sergey Maltsev.
The partnership has already formed a number of working groups cooperating with the federal government and JSC “RZD” on the subject of preparing the regulatory documents and submitted some offers concerning controlling car fleets, creating a new market model and other issues. The member organizations are ready to accept the responsibility on defining the requirements to transport market participants, business dealing rules, operators’ liability insurance and other spheres.
August 6, 2010
Press service of the St. Petersburg City Government reports that the system of non-stop roadways, the first of which will connect the Viborgskiy district to the Vasilievskiy Island, will appear in St. Petersburg as a measure to prevent transport collapse.
“We are working out a general ideology, unified transport policy and policy of transport objects development. We also analyze traffic streams and try to outrun the increase of automobilization and prevent traffic problems on the long run”, – the press service quotes Governor Valentina Matviyenko at the visiting meeting on development of the transport infrastructure of the city.
The governor spoke about the creation of the non-stop roadway system and organization of the cargo traffic detour of the historical center of St. Petersburg.
Today a number of large projects on development of the street and road network are being implemented in St. Petersburg. The reconstruction of junction on the right bank exit of the Liteiniy bridge and the construction of the new tunnel are currently taking place. This project is to be completed by the end of 2010. Among the perspective areas are the transport hub on the Primorskiy highway, construction of the Orlovskiy tunnel, junctions on the embankments of the Obvodniy channel.
The administration also pledges to take cargo transport out of the city and organize separate lanes for public transport and bicycle lanes “wherever possible”.
August 5, 2010
A new terminal for automobile ferries with the annual capacity of 400 thousand TEUs is set up in the Kaliningrad oblast
“Baltic Stevedore Company” Ltd. (part of the “Novorossiysk Sea Trade Fleet” Plc.) started the construction of the new terminal on the territory of the passenger and cargo automobile ferry terminal in the basin ¹3 of the town of Baltiysk (sea port Kaliningrad). As the press-centre of the federal state company “Rosmorport” reports, on the first stage of works it is planned to equip the first terminal contracted out to the stevedore company by “Rosmorport” with the purified water outlet facility. On the second stage re-equipment of the moorage ¹1 of the terminal to sit the container loaders will be carried out. A new 200 meter long quay will be built with the water depth of 10,5 meters.
According to the project, capacity of the terminal will be 400 thousand TEUs a year. The terminal will handle container vessels of up to 1200 TEUs capacity, 160 meters long, 26 meters wide and 8,5 meters of maximum draught.
Construction works will be completed in 2013.
August 4, 2010
In 2010 Russia needs 7,8 billion roubles for provision of transportation security
Minister of Transport of Russia Igor Levitin claims that in 2010 7,8 billion roubles is needed for transportation security in Russia and in 2014 this sum will come to 45 billion roubles. A considerable part of this money will go to the regions of the North Caucasian federal district.
The minister explained that these operations presuppose, in particular, the use of surveillance cameras that can identify a person. This information immediately “goes to the relevant authorities”. “These video cameras and alarm buttons in buses are for us to see and be aware of what happens. All this will be organized with the support of the Global Navigation Satellite System.” – added the Head of the Ministry.
In March 2010 President of Russia Dmitriy Medvedev signed the order on “Establishing the comprehensive system of transport security”. This system is to be created by the 1st of January 2014.
The issue of the railway and subway security became especially important after the terrorist attacks in the Moscow subway in March this year and after the “Nevsky Express” crash in November 2009.
August 4, 2010
A modern logistics center in the Arkhangelsk region may appear
The possibility of creating a terminal-logistics center in the Arkhangelsk region was discussed at the meeting of the representatives of the Ministry of Economic Development of the Arkhangelsk region, the Ministry of Industry, Transport and Communications of the Arkhangelsk region and the heads of the Terminal Development center of Joint Stock Company “RZD”.
Arkhangelsk is the basis for the Arctic development in the XXI century (recreation of the Northern Sea Route, by which the goods traffic cost is 35% more profitable than by the Southern Route through the Suez Canal; development of the shelf fields, including such a large-scale project as Stockman gas field exploration on the Barents Sea shelf).
“The Arkhangelsk transport hub is already one of the largest transshipment bases for supplies, providing large-scale oil and gas engineering in the Arctic and the Siberia, – underlined Head of the Department of Investment Policy and Foreign Economic Policy of the Ministry of Economic Development of the Arkhangelsk region Andrey Dunayev. – The companies operating at the largest Arctic fields are also interested in creation of the complex base in Arkhangelsk to support oil and gas production.”
The Ministry of Economic Development noted that with regard to the perspective “Belkomur” railway project and the “Severniy” deep-water area of Arkhangelsk sea port in the conditions of favorable investment climate, the premise for the terminal-logistics center in Arkhangelsk is already created. Thus, success and efficiency of the current and planned Arctic projects by means of modern logistics technologies will be achieved.
At the meeting the agreement on insertion of the terminal-logistics center in Archangelsk into the system of modern logistics complexes of joint stock company “RZD” was signed. In September “RZD” will submit a proposal to locate the terminal-logistics center to the government of the Arkhangelsk region for endorsement.
August 4, 2010
Representative of the Federal Antimonopoly Service will report at the III International conference “St. Petersburg – the sea capital of RUSSIA. Transport and transit potential”
Deputy Director of the Federal Antimonopoly Service Anatoliy Golomolzin will take part in the III International conference “St. Petersburg – the sea capital of RUSSIA. Transport and transit potential”. At the first plenary meeting he will report on the conditions of access to the services of the natural monopoly entities in the transport branch.
August 3, 2010
The Ambassador of the Islamic Republic of Iran in the Russian Federation will report at the conference “Transport and transit potential”
At the III International conference “Transport and transit potential” that will be held within the Project of the “UNITED RUSSIA” Party “St. Petersburg – the sea capital of RUSSIA” in St. Petersburg on the 9th-10th of September 2010 the transportation between Russia and Iran will be discussed.
At the plenary meeting Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Islamic Republic of Iran in the Russian Federation Mr. Reza Sajjadi will report on the “Necessity of collaboration of Iran and Russia for the development of the North-South corridor”.
August 3, 2010
Levitin announced the start date of the “Caucasus” route reconstruction
The Head of the Ministry of Transport of Russia Igor Levitin declared that the federal highway M29 “Caucasus” will be reconstructed.
It is expected that the section connecting the Stavropol Krai and Kabardino-Balkaria will be reconstructed first.
The start of works is planned for 2013.
“The road should be made four-lane along its whole length – 2 thousand km. In this case all the republics of the North Caucasus will organize transportation through one route with bypasses around large towns that will allow handling great volumes of cargo.” – noted the minister.
August 2, 2010
Federal Customs Service will work within the “one office” principle
The government has reviewed the draft law prepared by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Federal Customs Service.
This refers to the federal law “On the accession of the Russian Federation to the International Convention on Simplification and Harmonization of Customs Procedures dated 18th of May 1973 as amended by Protocol on alteration of the International Convention on Simplification and Harmonization of Customs Procedures dated 26th of June 1999.” The Convention binds the parties to apply simplified custom formalities, corresponding international standards and the procedure of appeal and inactivity of the customs service.
Special attention is paid to using IT technologies to the maximum extent possible. After the accession of the Russian Federation to the International Convention on Simplification and Harmonization of Customs Procedures Russian customs service will start working within the “one office” principle.
July 30, 2010
Vyborg port summing up for six months
By the results of the first six months of 2010 Vyborg port has accepted 504 thousand tons of cargo. The number of entries of vessels has increased by 7%.
Following the norms of ecological safety, the port gradually decreases the proportion of dusty cargo in the overall structure of materials handling. Thus, in the first half of the year the port decreased the proportion of coal and provided growth of more ecologically clean cargo: iron (+50%), project cargo (+100%).
Project cargo transshipment in the port is carried out from the beginning of 2010 within the long-term contracts with the companies, supplying the equipment for the Nord Stream project.
LLC “Vyborg port” is a universal minor port with the dock capacity of 3 mln tons of export-import cargo a year. The port is situated in the North-East of the Gulf of Finland. The Northern harbour of the port is connected to Saimaa channel and Lake Saimaa that is located in the territory of Finland. The port specializes in transshipment of the wide range of general, loose cargoes (mineral fertilizers, coal, minerals, iron, scrap metals), nutritive and chemical bulk cargo that are delivered to the port by sea and river vessels, by highway and railway transport. In summer time the port also receives passenger vessels.
July 29, 2010
Poland considers possibility to arrange marine cargo-passenger connection with Kaliningrad port
Possible variants of cooperation in arrangement of naval cargo-passenger connection between sea ports Szczecin (Poland) and Kaliningrad (Russia) have been considered during the visit of representative delegation of West-Pomeranian Voivodeship of the Republic of Poland to the Kaliningrad branch of FSUE “Rosmorport”. As is it is said in the message of the enterprise press center, the aims of the visit were also discussion of possibilities for realization of new infrastructure projects of the sea port Kaliningrad and exchange of experience in development of navigation and shipping safety.
Moreover parties have discussed a possibility for exchange of experience in exploitation of electronic system for vessel voyage through seaway canals.
July 28, 2010
Feodosiya port joins the network of large oil shipping operations
Feodosiya sea port recovers its position of the major transiter of oilstock. The company that previously transferred more than 10 mln tons of the Russian oil (produced by YUKOS) a year, specialized mainly in Kazakh oil product transfer.
As Ministry of Transport and Communications of Ukraine informs, today oil stock transfer enlarges through the port by means of the Kazakh cargo traffic. At present, a party of 80 thousand tons of oil is being loaded on board the export tanker Minerva Zoe with gross loading capacity of approximately 90 thousand tons.
The cargo transfer is performed by the State Company “Feodosiya oil product supplier”. The tanker arrived for loading from Odessa port after the delivery of the party of oil from Venezuela, destined to Belarus. The destination point of the Kazakh party is port Trieste (Italy).
July 27, 2010
International Automobile Transportation Association (ASMAP) will take part in the III International conference “St. Petersburg – the sea capital of RUSSIA. Transport and transit potential”
Partner Conference Point International Automobile Transportation Association (ASMAP) will take part in the III International conference “St. Petersburg – the sea capital of RUSSIA. Transport and transit potential” that will be held within the Project of the “UNITED RUSSIA” Party “Saint-Petersburg – the sea capital of RUSSIA” on the 9th -10th of September 2010 in St. Petersburg. The president of the association Evgeniy Sergeevich Moskvichyov will report at the conference.
July 27, 2010
Office workers and businessmen will go on expedition for a month
Don office workers and businessmen will go on an expedition of the highest quality. The academic and research international expedition of car enthusiasts “Transek” starts in Rostov-on-Don on the 29th of August. The expedition is a part of the state program “Common customs space of Belarus, Russia, Kazakhstan”. The participants will go via Russia, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Tadzhikistan, Kazakhstan and Russia on their private cars. They aim at defining the perspectives of the development of international transport corridors from Europe to Central Asia, China, Korea.
In the course of the expedition more than 10 business meetings with the representatives of business structures, including representatives of travel industry will be held in the Russian regions and CIS countries. The total length of the route is 9700 km. The car enthusiasts will return to Rostov-on-Don at the end of September.
July 26, 2010
Ports will be connected with ferry lines
Sea ports of Novorossiysk and Sochi will be connected with a ferry line. Ferry is planned to be launched to Imeretinsky port at Sochi that is situated in close proximity to Olympic objects being under construction. Experts note that ferry connection rated for 60 freight vehicle with length up to 19 meters is one of the most appropriate ways for delivery of building material.
At the first stage one vessel will be on cruise, it will enter Novorossiysk and Sochi every other day. It is supposed that vehicles arrived in the morning at Sochi port Imeretinsky will have time to debark and come back to the ferry to leave to Novorossiysk.
In future it is planned to implement one more ferry to provide daily call to each of the ports.
July 22, 2010
Renewal of vehicle park is one of the priorities
Amendments were introduced to the draft program of the III International conference “St. Petersburg — the sea capital of RUSSIA. Transport and transit potential”. Event participants are suggested to discuss one of the most urgent issues in the branch — renewal of vehicle park. Execution of this strategic mission along with investment attraction and changes in tariff-pricing policy is able to increase competitive advantage of our country at the global market. In this connection there is a need in attention at implementation of legal restrictions to the age of cargo vehicles and buses as well as in revision of current tax system.
July 23, 2010
Priorities to the Far East
Government of the RF will examine an issue on subsidy assistance to railway transportations of cargo that follows to countries of South East Asia through ports of Far East. In nearest years countries of Asian-Pacific region will produce not less than a half of world gross product. In 2009 cargo turnover of Far East ports increased for 14% against the same point in 2008. And for five months of the current year in comparison with the same period of the past year the growth gained 43%.
There are several problems connected with export through Far East ports. The main one consists in “non-optimal” — on opinion of VSTP — tariffs for railway transportation of cereal goods to the Far East.
By present day expenses for treatment of one container at Far East ports are 250-270 dollars. These are ports fees, rates for the call of a vessel at port, stevedoring, customs services. At that service time is 7-14 days. At Rotterdam container service is effected in 12 hours and costs 35 euros. At Shanghai it lasts for two days and costs 50-70 dollars. In case of decrease in prices for Russian infrastructure it would be possible to attract transit through transport corridor West-East, by present time its share is extremely small. In 2009 a little more than 18 thousand TEU were carried through Russia whereas in 2004 there were about 180 thousand units. Potential of Trans-Siberian line together with BAM is about 500 TEU in a year.
July 22, 2010
Ukraine and Russia consider possibility of creation of unified system of navigation monitoring at Black and Azov seas
Ministry of Transport and Communication of Ukraine and Ministry of Transport of Russia are going to work over creation of unified system of monitoring of navigation safety at water areas of Black, Azov seas and Kerch Strait. Correspondent engagement has been reached in Moscow during session of Ukrainian-Russian expert group for navigation security in Azov and Black seas. Such innovation will allow getting almost all information about vessels: their exact location, course, speed and presence of dangerous cargo on board.
During the session Russian party has presented a project of common Ukrainian-Russian rules for navigation at Kerch Strait. Participants of the expert group on behalf of Ukraine and Russia also have approved draft agreement on rules and conditions for vessel navigation at inland water ways. Adoption of this document simplifies procedures connected with cargo transportations along rivers and reservoirs of Ukraine and Russia, activates external commerce, facilitates growth of mutual goods turnover and tourism development.
Also ratification of the engagement could allow replenishing of state budgets of two countries with finances got from cargo transshipment at ports situated at inland water ways. Moreover access to inland waters of Russia will allow Ukraine to develop new markets for energy material transportation.
July 21, 2010
Altai region as logistic center
On July 20 a meeting between delegations of the Ministry of Transport of the RF and Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region of China took place at Barnaul. The main discussion issue was arrangement of transport corridor between Russia and China in transit through Kazakhstan with logistics center at Altai region. Following the results of the discussion the parties defined possible rout for motor transportations: Urumchi-Bakhty-Veseloyarsk-Barnaul-Novosibirsk.
July 20, 2010
The second stage of the largest logistic terminal has been opened at Nizhny Novgorod
Governor of the Nizhny Novgorod region Valery Shantsev has taken part in official opening of the second stage of the largest logistic terminal located at Kstovsky region. Logistic center is justly considered to be one of the best not only in Nizhny Novgorod region but in Russia as well. In the course of its projection best world and European experience has been examined. Complex is situated in five km from Nizhny Novgorod, in Kstovsky region, on the rout Kazan-Moscow and consists of two terminals. The first warehouse terminal of 14500 sq. m in area was put into operation in 2005. With the launch of the second stage of the terminal Nizhny Novgorod region got new shot to logistics development. Moreover the region has got more than 200 work places.
In development strategy of the region up to 2020 logistics is one of the priorities. Nizhny Novgorod region has advantageous geographical position — it is situated on the cross of two international transport corridors. Paramount task of the terminal is to relieve Moscow. Logistics center has more than 20 loading and unloading docks that allows serving daily up to 50 cars in receive and the same amount in unloading.
On opinion of the governor of the Nizhny Novgorod Region Valery Shpantsev changes in approach towards distribution net development, shifting priorities from Moscow to one of the regions is an important starting point and example for other retail trade and logistic companies. Eventually it is planned to build about 100 thousand meters of logistic areas at this territory at Kstovsky region. This project as Valery Shpantsev assures will be considered to be a priority that guarantees corresponding privileges to it.
July 19, 2010
Baltic Ports: the up trends
In January-June 2010 cargo turnover at Helsinki port, one of the largest in Finland increased for 11% in comparison with the same period of the past year — up to 5.37 million tons. Container turnover of Helsinki port in the first half of 2010 increased for 12% — up to 196.5 thousand TEUs. Vessel turnover at Finnish port in 6 months of 2010 decreased for 10% — 3 thousand 804 items. Cargo turnover of Helsinki port in 2009 decreased for 21% in comparison with the past year — up to 8.6 million tons.
Container turnover of Belgian port Antwerp in the first half of 2010 increased in comparison with the same period of 2009 for 16.2% — up to 4.2 million TEUs. Container turnover measured in tons increased for almost 20% — up to 51.3 million tons. The amount of vessels entered port for the accounting period increased for 4/5% — up to 7 thousand 214 vessels. Concerning cargo turnover Antwerp is the second largest port in Europe, it gives the pass only to Rotterdam.
July 16, 2010
Byelorussian rail way in the I half of the year has increase loading for 3 %
Byelorussian rail way (BRW) in the I half of 2010 has increased amount of cargo transportations for 3,3 % - up to 65,8 million tons, says the message of BRW. Cargo transit through the railway has increased for 7,9 % - up to 23,1 million tons.
In whole since the beginning of 2010 the tendency to growth of cargo transportation along BRW has been resumed. “Considerable influence at transit transportation growth has been asserted by renewal of transit cargo flow from Russia through ports of the Kaliningrad Region”, - tells the message.
Press release informs that in 2009 cargo transit volume in this direction considerably fell during world economic crisis because of sharpening of competition between cargo carriers on the part of ports of Latvia, Lithuania and Russian ports at Baltic and Black seas.
“But following the results of January-June 2010 amount of transit transportations through Kaliningrad Region gained 6,8 million tons that is 45% more than the same index of the previous year”, - tells the message.
The message tells that since the beginning of the year there is in individual countries steady growth tendency in transit transportations with Russia including Kaliningrad Region, Poland (for 26,8%), Lithuania (for 10,4%), Estonia (for 38,2%), Germany (in 2 times), Czechia (in 8 times).
July 14, 2010
Car industry is in a deep drawing
Automobile plant at Vsevolozhsk put employees on company vacations for three weeks, company will be out of operation till August 2. Employees of St. Petersburg Nissan plant will also have two-week vacations till the end of the month, and in August as expected employees of GM and Toyota will have a rest for two weeks. During vacation period automakers will continue trainings for the staff recruited to increase production planned for September.
In spite of car sales growth in Russia carmakers as in previous years have company vacations. Vsevolozhsk Ford plant announced that operations will be closed down for the vacation period from 12 July will 2 August. On the last week of July and first week of August St. Petersburg Nissan plant will also be out of operation because of company vacations, informed director of the enterprise Dmitry Mikhailov. During first two weeks of August GM plant will also have vacations, said company representative Yulia Boicharova. Till the end of the summer, as it was last year, employees of Toyota plant could have two week vacations. But company doesn’t comment this information.
All plants emphasize that suspension of production is planned. Company vacations for example allow companies to control vacations of employees avoiding mass holidays during plant operation. Dictated vacations in their turn not once caused discontent at trade unions. That is why executives of foreign car manufacturing companies have to make concessions and arrange company vacations as a rule not longer than two weeks and two more vacation weeks are left to the discretion of every employee.
Along with that last year car plants of St. Petersburg and the region were to have company vacations because of the need in slow production due to sharp slump in demand. Toyota plant for example was closed for three times, GM was out of operation for the whole summer, and Ford besides vacations also decreased the number of working days and shifts. Current vacations on contrary will be a preparation period for the company for significant increase in production output. To this effect Ford plant is going to recruit additionally and train 230 employees. Nissan plant has additionally recruited and trains 750 people, GM plant – 700 employees. As a result both companies have doubled number of shifts, and newly recruited personnel will allow Ford plant to recover partially the third shift operation.
July 13, 2010
“BasEl” has finished construction of the third mooring at cargo port of Sochi
Management direction “Port Business” (member of “Basic Element”, “BasEl” group of companies) has finished construction of the third mooring at cargo port of Sochi for the needs of Olympiad 2014.
“The mooring is equipped with mooring mechanisms and is ready to receive vessels and cargo”, - tells “BasEl” message.
Since April 2010 two mooring with the capacity of 2 million tons in a year has been being operated in port. The moorings are equipped with four mobile Liebherr harbor cranes, manipulator cranes, front and fork loaders, reports “Yuga.ru”.
Finish of all eight moorings construction with gaining project capacity of 5 million tons is planned for December 2010.
July 12, 2010
FCS of Russia takes measures to speed up passing of cargo vehicles through Russian-Finnish border
Federal Customs Service (FCS) of Russia in cooperation with Federal Transport Oversight Service take necessary measures to speed up all kinds of frontier control at multifeature automobile crossing points (MACP) at Russian-Finnish state border where “regularly lines of cargo vehicles appear”.
By present moment, the message says, such situation occurred because of scheduled replacement of weighing equipment carried out at MACP Torfyanovka. Here instrument transport control is carried out by officials from North-Western interregional administration of Federal Transport Oversight Service using mobile weight checking station (MWCS) spread at MACP behind the passport control line towards entrance to the Russian Federation.
“Officials of customs terminal at MACP Torfyanovka of Vyborg customs work in regular operation mode and effect customs control of vehicles according to the established procedure after transport control. In the meantime weighting of vehicles entering MACP Torfyanovka with the use of MWCS increases time spent for transport control of one vehicle for 5-10 minutes that in whole leads to decrease of MACP practical capacity and as follows to regular lines of vehicles on the territory of the Republic of Finland”, - explained at FCS.
July 6, 2010
In the nearest time construction of logistics terminal at Ust-Luga port starts
In the nearest time OAO “Company Ust-Luga” is intended to start construction of logistics terminal at the similar named port.
Realization of these plans was interrupted last year by world economic crisis although all project documentation was in the readiness phase, informed Deputy Director General of the company Alexander Goloviznin.
According to his words Ust-Luga is the only place at Russian Baltic where a large logistics center could be built directly in the port. The company lays high hopes on new structure from the point of view of increase in auto carriages – by 2013 it is planned to gain 360 thousand cars in a year whereas plan of this year is 58 thousand cars. Moreover in port development plans there is construction of town Ust-Luga for 30-35 thousand citizens that is planned to be started approximately in autumn 2010.
July 5, 2010
Deep water sea port Baltiysk has been approved
Federal Marine and River Transport Agency has approved project documentation for construction of deep water sea port at Baltiysk. According to the plan new port will be able to transfer annually about 131.5 million tons of container, fluid and rolling cargo that would be treated at 43 cargo terminals. Ministry of Transport of the RF considered opportunity to build a port at Balga at Kaliningrad Region. It is supposed that the project will have success if it operates as a port-hub that receives ocean container vessels.
July 2, 2010
Code of merchant shipping has been changed
“Aktobe-center” has put into operation transport-logistic complex at Aktyubinsk (at the west of Kazakhstan). Transport-logistic complex has a storage capacity with a total area of 12,781 thousand sq. m equipped with fire extinguisher, video control and alarm systems. Cargo flows are treated using modern warehousing equipment, all movements of cargo are displayed on-line on special portable terminals.
“It is a significant project for Aktyubinsk. All goods and industrial products will be stored in civilized conditions, also single-piece material processing is supposed. We believe that launch of such large complex will facilitate increase of transit potential of the republic in future”, - mentioned Director of “Aktobe-center” S. Urmagambetov.
July 1, 2010
Customs Code of Custom Union comes into operation
Customs Code of Custom Union (CU) between Russia, Kazakhstan and Byelorussia comes into operation since first of July. Previously it was supposed that the Code will be put into action since 1-st of July 2010 on bilateral basis without Byelorussia.
However on the eve range of Russian mass media with reference to their sources informed that Parliament of Byelorussia at closed meeting on June 30 ratified the Customs Code. On may 28 in the absence of Byelorussian part Russia and Kazakhstan agreed to put into operation Customs Code of Custom Union starting from the 1-st of July on bilateral basis. At that current disagreement with Byelorussia were taken into consideration. Later Byelorussia confirmed intention to ratify the Customs Code and to join Custom Union on July 1, 2010.
June 30, 2010
“Rosmorport” arranges a tender on July 31
FUSE “Rosmorport” has announced a tender for the right to conclude government contract for execution of engineering and construction works of crossing points in sea and river ports in Ust-Luga port (Leningrad Region). As RBK St. Petersburg informs contract highest price is 266 million 18.91 thousand rubles. Opening of Envelopes with tender applications is planned for 31-th of July 2010.
The contract supposes arrangement of crossing point within the first phase of container terminal construction ay Ust-Luga port. The ordering party of the construction is Federal agency of sea and river transport, the builder is “Rosmorport”. Turnaround time is five months.
Let us remind that the first stage of the container terminal in sea port at Luga bay of the Gulf of Finland is planned to be put into operation in 2011. The first stage of the terminal will be able to receive vessels with carrying capacity of 2 thousand 500 TEU. The second stage is planned to be finished in 2014, the third — in 2019.
June 29, 2010
Improvement of transport infrastructure with implementation of innovations is still one of the main goals
Improvement of transport infrastructure with implementation of modern innovative technologies is still one of the main goals in the midterms. This was told in Budget message of the President of the Russian Federation on budget policy for 2011-2013 presented today by Dmitry Medvedev to Federal Assembly and Government of Russia.
According to the text of the message published by press service of Kremlin Dmitry Medvedev pointed out that “there is a need in new approach to realization of infrastructure projects with private investment involvement including the ones under the terms of life cycle contracts”.
In this connection one of the priorities in budget policy is to be stable financial support of maintenance and development of highways, says the message. It requires detailed working out of all issues including the ones that concern creation of road fund system due to criteria and social justice and economic efficiency, said the head of the country.
June 25, 2010
Nazarbaev has signed an order on ratification of Customs Code of CU
President of Kazakhstan Nursultan Nazarbaev has signed an order “On ratification of a protocol on introduction of amendments and additions to the agreement on Customs Code of Custom Union of 27 November, 2009”, informed press service of the Head of the country.
The agreement was signed by heads of the countries-participants (Russia, Kazakhstan, Byelorussia) on 27-th of November 2009 in Minsk. Ratification of the agreement is a part of a decision pack for the start of Custom Union operation.
Customs Code is supposed to come into force since July 1, 2010. It means that from this moment Russia and Kazakhstan will perform as united customs territory. Byelorussia has got a time out in Custom Union creation. The document regulates issues on goods transfer across the customs border and custom control, stowage, declaring, release into operation, customs charges. The Code supposes particularly to implement an institute of special economic operators with a right to use reduced system of customs clearance and control.
June 25, 2010
Northern sea rout will be equipped with GLONASS system
On June 24 at the office of the Minister of Industry, Transport and Communication of Archangelsk Region Ernest Belokorovin a working meeting took place on issues of the navigation system GLONASS application at the territory of the region. Director of the department of regional development at “Navigation-information systems Inc” Sergey Miroshnic told about possibilities of domestic analogue for American GPS. This company is federal net operator and implements GLONASS systems throughout the country
Navigation systems are widely operated at many regions of the country including Archangelsk region. According b to requirements of federal law “On navigation activity” satellite navigation equipment GLONASS and GLONASS/GPS should be installed at air, sea and river vessels, motor and railway transport facilities used in passenger, special and danger cargo carriages.
According to Sergey Miroshnic it is planned in the nearest future to launch low-orbit satellite group. They will be able to provide full coverage of the Northern Sea Rout that is by no means unimportant for the region taking into consideration big plans in commercial operation of this transport corridor. The meeting resulted into agreement on cooperation between Archangelsk region and “Navigation-information systems Inc”. Also a decision was made on creation of a work group that would be involved into project realization due to regional features.
June 24, 2010
FTS set port charge rate at sea ports of Azov and Rostov-on-Don
Administration of the Federal Tax Service (FTS of Russia) has decided to set for the first time port charge rates at sea ports of Azov and Rostov-on-Don to be recovered by FSI “Administration of sea port Taganrog” and FSUE “Rosmorport” as well as to decline the tonnage tax rate at Taganrog port and to line up port charges for Russian and foreign vessels.
This was reported by press service of the department. In result of the decisions made the system of port charges collected at sea ports of Azov, Rostov-on-Don is brought into compliance with current system of port charges in the Russian Federation. Moreover port charge rates for Russian vessels in coastal traffic is decreased for 8%, underlines FTS.
Rates approved by the Administration of the department are introduced into operation in the established manner.
June 23, 2010
Development of ports of the RF is planned to be financed with 103 billion rubles
It is planned to channel in 2010about 103 billion rubles into Russia’s port and near port infrastructure development. This was reported by Head of the committee for investment programs in port infrastructure development and industrial issues at the Association of sea trade ports (ASTP) Dmitry Morozov, informs “Transport today”. At that private investments overrun state ones in 5.2 times.
“Within the frame of three federal target programs — “Development of transport system in Russia (2010-2015)”, “Economic and social development of Far East and Transbaikalia for the period up to 2013” and “Efficiency upgrading of exploitation and development of resource potential of fishery complex in 2009-2013” — investment of federal budget funds for an overall amount of 15.64 billion rubles is foreseen”, — informed Dmitry Morozov.
The amount of private investments is supposed to be about 87 billion rubles, he mentioned.
In 2009 about 105 billion rubles were channeled for ports development, amount of both budget and private funds was insignificantly larger than this year.
Dmitry Morozov added that supposed amount of investments into sea ports till 2015 gains 834 billion rubles. However this sum does not include financing of reconstruction and construction of approach railways and roads to ports as well as crossing points.
June 22, 2010
The list of Companies of Strategic Importance is shortened
President of the Russian Federation Dmitry Medvedev signed on Friday an order on reduction of the amount of strategic companies in five times, informs IA “Transport today”. As explained later First Vice Prime Minister Igor Shuvalov from the list of strategic companies have been excluded “Sovkomflot”, several large ports, airports and shipping companies.
According to his words besides “Sovkomflot” this refers to Novorossiysk, Murmansk, Tuapse, Azov ports, Murmansk, Sakhalin, North-Western and Western shipping companies, airports Tolmachevo (Novosibirsk), Anapa and Koltsovo (Ekaterinburg).
In addition Shuvalov underlined that excluding of these companies from the strategic list “doesn’t mean their automatic privatization”. “Decision on their privatization will be made by government, there just will be choice from the larger amount of joint companies”, — said First Vice Prime Minister.
As Dmitry Medvedev reported on Friday the list of strategic companies is being reduced from 208 to 41, federal unitary enterprises from 230 to 159. “No matter how many state companies we have, modernization will be carried out primarily by private business efforts, — he said. — And only under competitive conditions. And the role of the State is to create for Russian and foreign entrepreneurs favorable business climate as well as fair competitive environment”.
June 22, 2010
Ports situated at the Northern Sea Rout require property and land taxes decrease
This was reported by the press service of “Murmansk Sea Trade Port LTD” (MSTP).
“The main problem that may have restraining influence to the NSR development is lack of obligatory infrastructure objects or their non-compliance with modern requirements. To create and renew manufacturing base it is necessary to stimulate investments particularly with a complex of tax concessions and privileges”, — informs the message of the stevedoring company.
According to expert reviews potential amount of transit cargo through Northern Sea Rout in eastern direction in the coming years will be 5-6 millions tons and in western one — 2-3 million tons, reports IAA “Portnews”.
Northern Sea Rout (NSR) is the shortest way between European part of Russia and Far East, traditional national consolidated transport line of the Russian Federation in Arctic. It runs through seas of the Arctic Ocean (Barents, Kara, Laptev, East Siberian, Chuckchee) and partially Pacific Ocean (Bering sea). The length of NSR from Kara Strait to the Providence Bay is about 5600 km. At that for example the distance vessels pass from the Murmansk port to Yokohama port (Japan) through the Suez Canal is 12840 nautical miles and along the Northern Sea Rout it is just 5770 nautical miles.
