Musical chairs in St Petersburg

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.

Having lost most of its maritime links with European countries, Moscow has been developing its ties with Turkey. A new sea route has been opened across the Black Sea and more will follow