334 lighterage operations performed in Azov-Don River Basin in navigation 2015, Basin authorities says

334 lighterage operations were performed in Azov-Don River Basin over the navigation period of 2015, IAA PortNews journalist cites Sergei Gaidayev, Head of Azov-Don Basin Administration, as saying at the Headquarters meeting held on October 9.

According to the basin authorities, 254 vessels were involved, 251,895 t of cargo including 196,615 t of oil products were handled.

Sergei Gaidayev said that vessels loaded with sulphur undergo lightering at Ust-Donetsk port while oil products are transferred ship-to-ship at specially prepared sites. Six licensed stevedoring shipping companies are allowed to perform such operations at five sites dedicated for that purpose: Palmali, VF Tanker, Volga Tanker Company, BashVolgotanker, Severnaya Verf-Tanker and Bunker Trade. Besides, Primeshipping and Kontur SPb performed lighterage operations at Nikolayevskaya tank farm.

Five more companies are about to obtain licenses for lightering in the navigation period of 2016, Sergei Gaidayev said.