In January-November 2006, cargo turnover of the port of Rostov grew by 36.4%, year-on-year, to 1.43 million tons (in 2005 – 1.05 million tons), the port’s press center reports according to yugmedia.ru. In the 11-month period of the year the port handled 935.5 thou tons of export cargo compared to 642.4 thou tons in 2005 (+45.6%), 428.1 thou tons of import cargo compared to 367.4 thou tons in 2005(+16.5%). Basic part of cargo turnover was metal scrap, alumina, timber and metal.
The port of Rostov is located on both sides of the Don river and includes four independent cargo districts. Total length of the berths is 2.5 km with the depth from 4 to 5.6 meters. Sixteen 5,000-dwt vessels with draft up to 3.8 meters may be simultaneously handled at the port’s berths. There are two approaches to the port from the side of Taganrog Bay of the Sea of Azov: 25 km long Azov-and-Don sea canal as well as 45 km long part of Don’s mouth.