Igor Tonkovidov, President & CEO of SCF Group, told PortNews how the company facilitates the development of navigation along the Northern Sea Route, how the pandemic impacted the shipping industry, and why LNG will remain the number one alternative fuel in the foreseeable future.

Russia's waterborne transportation does not seem to do well in the free market environment. Some propose introducing elements of a kind of the state plan both in the field of shipping and shipbuilding. Some initiatives seem justified, while others are rather dubious

Port of Singapore is one of the busiest ports in the world, located in the city-state. The port is attractive to global lines thanks to advanced technology services provided and its huge bunker fuel market.

The entire tourism industry is currently in a deep crisis caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. The global cruise shipping is showing a severe slump, the largest one since the Second World War. That consequently entails record low prices in the second market of passenger ships.

In the run-up to the XV TRANSTEC International Transport Corridors Forum scheduled for 14-16 September 2020, Sergey Buyanov, General Director of Central Marine Research and Design Institute (CNIIMF), shares his expert opinion on the projects for the NSR cargo transit and development of the Northern Transport Corridor.

Arab and Chinese shipping and logistic companies are set to be actively involved in the development of the Northern Transit Corridor. Under the auspices of Rosatom, a joint venture with foreign investors is to be established, a fleet of Arctic container carriers is to be built as well as cargo handling hubs. Meanwhile, Russia is trying to lighten international requirements under the ban on the use of heavy fuel oil in the Arctic.

Low water level in some sections of inland water ways, capital intensity of fleet upgrading, high cost of fuel, tough competition with other types of transport are among the problems of river shipping in Russia. In his interview with IAA PortNews, Aleksandr Poshivai, head of Rosmorrechflot (Federal Marine and River Transport Agency), touches on these problems as well as the cruise tourism as a sector most affected by the pandemic.

It can be exceptionally challenging for Russian ship owners to ensure high quality internet and communication on civil ships - the crisis caused by the coronavirus pandemic is aggravated by equipment imports restrictions imposed by the Ministry for Digital Development, Communications and Mass Media.

Global shipbuilding development is currently determined by economic efficiency of construction and operation as well as consistently toughening environmental requirements. Apart from LNG, the most promising segment is electric propulsion.

Petersburg Oil Terminal, one of the best-known stevedoring companies in the city, celebrates its 25th anniversary. Today, it is among the most advanced and environmentally friendly terminals of the port.