Throughput of Ust-Luga port up 27% to 4.38 mln t in H1 09

In the first half of 2009, Ust-Luga port (Leningrad region) handled 4.380 million tonnes of cargo (+27%, year-on-year), Administration of Big Port of St. Petersburg states. In June the port handled 882,100 tonnes (+30%, year-on-year).

In the 6-month period the port’s turnover of vessels amounted to 461 units (231 in and 230 out) with June accounting for 95 units (47 in and 48 out).

The following stevedoring companies operate in the port: Rosterminal Ugol OJSC, Ust-Luga Branch of RosMorPort FSUE, Lesnoi Terminal Faktor OJSC, Commercial Seaport Ust-Luga OJSC, Multifunctional Transshipment Complex OJSC, European Sulphur Terminal OJSC.

Ust-Luga port is situated practically at the border of the Russian Federation and the European Union. The deep water area of the port (16 m) together with the short ship channel (3.7 km) make Ust-Luga port the only Russian port on the Baltic Sea capable of admitting dry-cargo vessels with the deadweight of up to 75,000 tonnes and liquid cargo carriers with the deadweight of up to 120,000 tonnes. The second ship channel providing roundabout ship traffic will be built by 2010. By 2010 the cargo turnover of Ust-Luga port is expected to amount to 50 mln tonnes.