Ports lay into Moscow’s plans

Kazakhstan is developing a new trade route from China to Russia via the Irtysh River, with a port and railway planned, aiming for completion by 2026.

In February of this year alone, Russia’s container market rose by 23.5 per cent year-on-year to 533,000 TEU. The preceding month also saw growth.

While Ukraine has managed to expand throughput via its sea harbours to 75% of pre-war levels, further growth is hindered by reduced production volumes.

Moscow has now nationalised Kaliningrad Commercial Seaport (KMTP). The Russian exclave’s Central District Court of Kaliningrad has upheld Russia’s Deputy Prosecutor General’s move to confiscate the 51.75% stake in KMTP controlled by local MP Andrey Kolesnik and his family. In addition, RUB369.24M (US$4M) in ‘illegal income’ will be returned to the state.

Estonia plans to nationalise and sell off assets owned by sanctions-hit Russian companies and will auction marine terminals in Muuga and Sillamäe.

Russia’s Global Ports Group has purchased a fleet of specialised bulk containers to support its new bulk cargo export customers.