The authorities of St. Petersburg understand importance of the ferry line St. Petersburg – Helsinki for the city and are ready to render any form of administrative support to the carrier Stella Naves Oy. The chairman of committee of transport (CTTP) transit policy of St. Petersburg Administration Nikolay Asaul declared today, BIA informs.
In particular, Asaul told that the day before the question about possibility of reduction of port dues to support the carrier was discussed with the deputy minister of transport of the Russian Federation Igor Levitinym. “We speak only about reduction of the port dues as a temporary supporting measure”, the head of the Committee added. He noted that reduction equal to € 1 mln a year is being discussed.
Also acceptance in the nearest future of the law on visa-free stay of ferries’ passengers in territory of St. Petersburg within 72 hours can raise efficiency of the project.
Currently the line is not closed, but only suspended. The ferry communication between Helsinki and St. Petersburg was opened in August 2008 and stopped on October 8 because income from transportation was not covering company’s expenses for the line.
In particular, Asaul told that the day before the question about possibility of reduction of port dues to support the carrier was discussed with the deputy minister of transport of the Russian Federation Igor Levitinym. “We speak only about reduction of the port dues as a temporary supporting measure”, the head of the Committee added. He noted that reduction equal to € 1 mln a year is being discussed.
Also acceptance in the nearest future of the law on visa-free stay of ferries’ passengers in territory of St. Petersburg within 72 hours can raise efficiency of the project.
Currently the line is not closed, but only suspended. The ferry communication between Helsinki and St. Petersburg was opened in August 2008 and stopped on October 8 because income from transportation was not covering company’s expenses for the line.