Valgo-Balt cargo shipment volumes down by 8% in 2009 navigation

The volume of cargo shipped along Volga-Baltic waterway decreased by 8% (to 16.7 mln tons) in 2009 navigation period as compared to the corresponding period figure of 2008 г. As PortNews IAA learnt from GBU Volgo-Balt, cargo turnover reduction is explained not only by economic recession circumstances by also by a later opening of navigation due to unfavourable ice-conditions in spring, 2009. Transit navigation opened on May 5, 2009 and ended on November 21.

4.6 mln tons of construction cargo (62% of 2008 figure), 1.2 mln tons of lumber (60%), 2.1 mln tons of metals (182%), 5 mln tons of oil products (113%), 600 thousand tons of chemical cargo (104%), 3.3 mln tons of other cargo (124%) was shipped in 2009 navigation.

Vessels have made 2750 voyages to transport 440 tourists along Volgo-Balt in 2009 navigation.

Vessels have made 19 thousand voyages along Volgo-Balt both directions in 2009. Main part of shipment was made by Volga Shipping Company - 15%, Bashvolgotanker – 12% and Cherepovets port – 8%. 156 shipping lines operated in Volgo-Balt within 2009 navigation period.

Cargo flow throughput capacity of Volgo-Balt waterway is estimated 19 mln tons of cargo annually as of the up-to-date structure.

Volgo-Balt (Volga-Baltic waterway) is one of the most significant water routes comprising integrated deep-water system of inland waterways of Russia’s European part. It is a complex of engineering facilities uniting 4900 kilometers of operated waterways including 3270 kilometers with guaranteed dimensions, 11 locks with water lift from 11 to 18 meters, three water-power stations, 25 earth dikes and dams, 12 ferry crossings, 9 bridge crossings, 8 lighthouses in the Ladoga lake, over 5000 signs of navigation situation, 273 units of service fleet.

Source: Port news