Russia Proposes Port Entry Limits for Ageing Foreign Ships
Russia’s Ministry of Transport has published a draft federal law that would stop old ships from calling at Russian seaports, including ports on the Baltic Sea, Black Sea, Far East and Arctic coasts. The ministry announced the proposal on 30 October, and it is now open for public consultation.
Under the draft, foreign-flagged ships older than 40 years would be refused entry to Russian ports. Russian-flagged ships older than 50 would also be barred, but they would get a transition period and could keep trading until their current class certificates expire.
Foreign-flagged ships older than 30 years would need a yearly confirmation that they meet the rules. This would be issued by the Russian Maritime Register of Shipping after looking at the ship’s inspections, certificates, repairs and insurance. Cargo contracts would have to require valid survey certificates, and terminal operators would share responsibility for safe navigation.
The ministry says the aim is to reduce accidents and pollution, stop old Russian ships from moving to foreign flags, and encourage fleet renewal and shipbuilding at Russian yards. If it is adopted, the law would take effect 180 days after it is officially published.
The proposal follows growing concern about very old tankers and cargo ships trading in the region, many of them poorly maintained.
Seafarers on older ships trading to Russia may see more inspections and paperwork. In the longer term, the rules could push some of the oldest and least safe ships out of this trade.
