RF Transport Ministry says FAS’ Rules of equal-opportunity access to port services require elaboration

RF Transport Ministry expects the Federal Antimonopoly Service of Russia to approve the Rules of equal-opportunity access to port services, IAA PortNews correspondent cites Deputy Transport Minister Victor Olersky as saying at Transport Week 2016 in Moscow. According to him, the Ministry does not mind the development of such rules but draft document of FAS contains a number provisions that can have a negative impact on the industry.

In particular, the Ministry of Transport thinks there is no need to regulate the services where no problems are observed. The key problem, Victor Olersky says, is in the deficit of coal transshipment facilities. However, the proposed measures bring the risks of losing investment attractiveness under certain projects. As an example the official mentioned the FAS proposal to schedule a queue for the access to the services in ports. Meanwhile, investors of the terminals count on transshipment of their cargo and should see a cargo base of the project at the phase of its development and feasibility study.

Victor Olersky expressed his hope for understanding between the Ministry and FAS when it comes to the above issues. He hopes the Rules of equal-opportunity access to port services will be balanced in the interest of all stakeholders.