OREANDA-NEWS. While visiting the Port of Primorsk (The Leningrad Region), Sergey Ivanov, the First Deputy Chairman of Russia’s Government, was welcomed on board the tanker “SCF Baltica” - one of the most modern vessels of the fleet of Sovcomflot, the largest shipping company of Russia.

Mr. Ivanov was accompanied by the Minister of Transport of the Russian Federation Igor Levitin, the Governor of the Leningrad Region Valeriy Serdyukov, the President of Transneft Semyon Vaynshtok and the President and CEO of Sovcomflot Sergey Frank.

During his stay in Primorsk Sergey Ivanov noted, that the growing volumes of seaborne transportation of hydrocarbons in the Baltic Area requires serious attention and new technological solutions on behalf of the local authorities, shipowners, cargo owners and port authorities with regard to safety of navigation and marine environment protection. The most modern technologies and vessels types should be applied to reduce pressure on the environment and to keep a reasonable level of ships traffic in the region. Well trained professional crews with knowledge and experience, providing for accident-free fleet operation, should be employed to work in this region with harsh weather conditions, especially in winter season.

“We are very pleased, that it was Sovcomflot - the Russian shipping company - which was one of the first to implement serious approach in solving these questions. We were offered proof of that on board of “SCF Baltica” tanker”, - said Mr.Ivanov.

The Sovcomflot President and CEO Sergey Frank reported to the First Deputy Prime Minister that by the time winter navigation season of 2007-2008 starts, the company will operate three enhanced ice-class Suezmax tankers of 162,000 dwt in the Baltic Sea Region. The ships are of “Vladimir Tikhonov” type, specially designed to render transportation services to the Port of Primorsk and recognized by independent foreign experts as one of the best designs of 2006. Furthermore, while promoting international co-operation, Sovcomflot is working on the development of “B-Max” type tanker, vessel of a new generation, which will provide for the higher level of navigation safety.