Petersburg Oil Terminal (POT, Big Port St. Petersburg) has summarized its results achieved in 2018. The company’s share I transshipment of oil products via Big Port St. Petersburg decreased by 3% to 84%. Meanwhile, total transshipment showed a slight growth. In 2018, the terminal shipped 4.6 million tonnes of dark oil products (heavy fuel oil), 2.2% more than in 2017.
According to the statement, transshipment of light oil products showed a faster growth but their share in total volumes handled by POT is minor so far. In the reporting period, the terminal shipped 3.1 million tonnes of kerosene and diesel fuel, up 63%, year-on-year.
“Exports of oil products via the ports of the Russian Federation do not generally depend on refining volumes which have been showing stagnation in Russia from 2014, a year marked by a peak result. The loading of our suppliers, refineries, depends on numerous factors including the demand for oil products, tax policy, global oil prices, OPEC+ decisions etc. A for terminals, key long-term trend is essential for the cargo mix and the method of transportation: exports of dark oil products by railways and rivers is are decreasing amid the growth of diesel fuel shipments by pipelines. POT is not an exception: with oil refinery volumes in the Russian Federation in 2017 and 2018 exceeding those of 2016, POT showed a growth but refinery volumes in 2017-18 were below those of 2010-15”, comments Mikhail Skigin, Chairman of POT BoD.
Among other achievements of 2018, Mikhail Skigin mentioned the start for implementation of the strategic project – construction of a new tank of 40,000 cbm in capacity. Environmental initiative of the terminal deserve special attention. POT was the first in the Russian part of the Baltic Sea to place a complex of floating booms. Besides, the company successfully put into operation its emergency response team.
“The scope of transshipment depends a lot on the market situation which has not been very favorable in recent years. In this conditions we should work towards efficiency. POT management succeeds so far – the terminal has laid the foundation for further renovation and gradual transition from dark oil products to the light ones. Our environmental initiatives are a good news since our task is not only being an efficient company and the best taxpayer with annual contribution of hundreds of millions of rubles. We should also pursue a policy of sustainable development in all spheres”, said Mikhail Skigin.
Petersburg Oil Terminal offers hi-tech acceptance and storage of oil products delivered by railways, rivers and roads as well as transshipment of oil products onto sea going ships.