The Paris Climate Agreement foresees drastic reduction of coal, oil and natural gas use regardless of sanctions. Undoubtedly, global decarbonisation will continue which offers opportunities for Russia to develop gas-to-chemicals including production of methanol which is getting increasingly promising fuel, particularly for shipping

The impact of sanctions on export flows of Russian energy resources is not dramatic. So far, they have caused some logistic problems amid the sabotage of Russian cargo in some neighboring countries. Nevertheless, it is necessary to build new storage facilities, order new ships, find friendly carriers and expand the Eastern Operating Domain capacity.

Over the recent couple of years, the supply chains have suffered a shock caused by the pandemic and the current geopolitical situation brings new challenges into the world’s trade, 90% of which is carried by sea. The weight of global shipping companies will not change amid new circumstances and their stock value is expected to grow, according to analysts. In view of the market complications, experts do not expect new domestic players in the Russian market but forecast the increase of the Asian partners’ share.

Amid the attempts of the EU and western shipping companies to impose a trade blockade on Russia, domestic logistics makes a great turn: the foreign trade is urgently turning eastwards. Is there a sufficient number of containers in Russia, can they be produced locally and what can be done with those of ‘unfriendly’ lines?

As IAA PortNews is informed, the programme on construction of fishing and crab catching ships by local yards (so called keel quota programme) can be revised due to sanctions imposed on Russia. Import equipment including propulsion units, diesels and fishing devices account for an essential part in shipbuilding projects. USC confirms the work with customers on possible redesigning of ships so that they could be fitted with Russian equipment. Experts believe that the challenges of the programme’s first phase rule out the second one

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.