An archive photo
MOSCOW, 26 January (BelTA) – Governor of Russia’s Arkhangelsk Oblast Alexander Tsybulsky has suggested using the Port of Arkhangelsk to transship Belarusian cargo. The matter was discussed with Ambassador of Belarus to Russia Dmitry Krutoi on 26 January during the working trip of the Belarusian diplomat to Arkhangelsk Oblast, BelTA has learned.
The governor said that Arkhangelsk has a multifunctional seaport with the year-round navigation, and vessels using the port can enter the ocean without crossing other states’ territorial waters. “With our existing capacities we are able to receive vessels with a draft of over 10m and transship up to 12 million tonnes of cargo. The port is loaded at no more than 60% of its capacity even in the peak season,” he added.
The port handles more than 300 units of fleet. "The Port of Arkhangelsk offers high-quality services for exporters with the guaranteed volume of cargo transshipment, depending on its assortment, vessel berths reservation, provision of specialized equipment and well-trained personnel," Alexander Tsybulsky stated.
Apart from that, the comprehensive development plan for the local transportation hub, approved by the Russian government, focuses on increasing port capacity, improving transport infrastructure, as well as the construction of a deep-water section designed for ships with a draft of up to 15m. "I would also like to suggest jointly discussing the construction of a specialized terminal for cargo transportation, including transshipment of potassium fertilizers," the governor said.
"Taking into consideration the existing and potential port capacities, transshipment of Belarusian cargo through the Port of Arkhangelsk can become a promising area for cooperation," he emphasized.
"We are ready to align our plans for the development of the Arkhangelsk transportation hub with Belarus’ interests in order to become the departure point for Belarusian cargo headed to foreign countries," said Alexander Tsybulsky.
In his turn, Dmitry Krutoi noted that there is a special commission in Belarus to study capacities of Russian ports. "Last year we had 20 ports in the Belarusian cargo transshipment program. The main direction was naturally the North-West; there is also Novorossiysk, as well as Astrakhan. Next week a large delegation will study the capacities of ports along the International North–South Transport Corridor. There is a great interest in the Port of Arkhangelsk regarding timber and metal exports". He added that the port does not have a specialized terminal for transshipment of potassium fertilizers. "We would like to have such a terminal, but it is not an end in itself," the ambassador concluded.
