Ivanov denies fresh Estonia claim
A Reuters report claiming Russia’s deputy prime minister Sergei Ivanov has ordered oil traders and shippers to redirect their cargoes away from Estonian ports, has been categorically denied by Ivanov himself. He told Fairplay through spokesman Pavel Zinkovich: “We categorically deny this report. Where does it come from? The western wind loves to blow in this direction, and the media use every chance to boost it.” Sources at the state owned Russian Railways Company (RZD) and private rail operator Severstaltrans told Fairplay they will not comment on the report. Oil industry sources in Moscow said that oil, metals and coal shippers are all considering alternative port outlets on the Baltic, including Ventspils in Latvia, and Ust-Luga and Primorsk in Russia. But a source directly involved in Estonian transportation of Russian oil said diversion of oil cargoes away from Tallinn started several months ago, and “is absolutely not connected to politics. The key players here are British Petroleum and Trafigura.” The source explained that 20% of Russian mazut exports are shipped through Estonia, and Tallinn is the only outlet available in winter. There is thus a limit, the source said, to the extent of the diversion.