Digitalization is among the key trends of Russia’s transport industry. Introduction of IT solutions is underway in all segments of logistics chains including the stevedoring companies. However, they are only applied by some businesses. The next step is to develop a comprehensive ecosystem integrating all players of the transport industry, although this process can be hindered by sanctions.

In early 2022, coronavirus lockdowns in China caused the fall of freight rates in the tanker segment. The conflict in Ukraine triggered the roaring demand for oil that could substitute supplies from Russia and a simultaneous growth of bunker prices. Analysts forecast further increase of the demand for tankers this year, particularly due to shifting of Russian oil exports from Europe to China

Attempts towards isolation of Russia's trade with western and pro-western countries will not shape any conceptually new trends in Europe-Asia logistics. They will only facilitate the developments of the recent years, namely the increase of the Asian countries’ share in foreign trade turnover, the emerging role of the Far East and Southern Basins as well as the Arctic shipping, the growing demand for Russian railway infrastructure, especially that focused on the Far East

The scope of Russia’s foreign trade cargoes handled in seaports of Ukraine has reduced by three thirds over the recent eight years. Last year, it totaled 1.8 million tonnes with ore accounting for the bulk of the volumes. In 2020-21, ore flows were redirected to the Russian port of Ust-Luga. However, the ports of Ukraine continued playing a certain role in grain logistics

The world’s major ports are surrounded with strong industrial zones which are local economy growth centers. In Russia, such centers just start developing with gas-to-chemicals and hydrogen production being the most promising sectors.

New projects on extraction of natural resources in the Arctic that require expansion of port facilities, the projects in the Baltic and Far East ports as well as ambitious plans on upgrading of inland water ways may critically ramp up the demand of the country and the market for dredging works and industrial ships by 2035. The scope of works and their financing was discussed at the 5th Hydraulic Engineering and Dredging Congress

The demand for dredging ships in 2025-2030 is estimated at 62 units, one fifth of the fleet currently run by administrations of inland water ways. Shipbuilders have already contracted the first series of dredgers scheduled for delivery up 2024. However, the demand is created by both state bodies and pipeline companies. According to IAA PortNews sources, dredgers and barges are needed for Giprotruboprovod JSC

Murmansk based company Union Service has launched Russia’s first ship chandler services on express supply of products for crews of ships. Marketplace Unimarine.store operating from the end of 2021 offers a simplified delivery of products to the ports of Russia’s Far North. The company estimates its market in Russia at about RUB 30 billion per year.

RF Government has approved the Concept for Development of Cruise Tourism in Russia until 2024. However, its implementation is associated with some problems including the need for modernization and construction of ships as well as lifting of excessive requirements on infrastructure.

FSUE Rosmorport’s Long-term Development Programme (LDP) until 2030 has been revised following the related discussion with the Consumer Council. In the near time it can be forwarded to the Government of the Russian Federation. In 2022-2024, FSUE Rosmorport will invest over RUB 15 billion of revenues from investment dues collected from the beginning of 2021 in construction and reconstruction of sea terminals.