OREANDA-NEWS. September 19, 2007.  In April-May 2008, OJSC Siberian Coal Energy Company (SUEK) will start deliveries of coal to the states of Asia-Pacific region from the new terminal in Vanino port (Khabarovsk region).

According to Rashevski, coal terminal in Vanino is to be put into operation in April-May 2008. The terminal will be capable of handling some 3 million tonnes of coal per year. By 2009, the terminal is to reach its design capacity of 12 million tonnes per year.

Rashevski says the terminal’s potential and engineering solutions make it possible to raise the capacity to 20-24 million tonnes in future, while today it is not possible due to underdeveloped transport infrastructure. “Further expansion depends on development of railway,” Rashevski says. According to him, expansion of the terminal will be possible in 2012. Investment into construction of the terminal’s first phase exceeds $200 million, while expansion will require much less investment, Rashevski says.

SUEK controls 29% of Russia’s coal market. Subsidiaries and affiliates of the company span across Krasnoyarsk, Khabarovsk, Primorsk, Kemerovo, Irkutsk and Chita regions, the Republics of Khakasya and Buratya.