OREANDA-NEWS. June 15, 2009. In January-May 2009, Ust-Luga seport handled 3.498 million tonnes of cargo (+27%, year-on-year).

In the reported period, transshipment of coal increased by 18.4% to 2.764 million tonnes, cargo carried by ferries was up 9.6 times to 351,700 tonnes, ferrous metal – almost 13 times to 94,800 tonnes. However transshipment of timber fell by 71% to 92,300 tonnes.

In the 5-mnth period, turnover of vessels totaled 366 units (184 in and 182 out).

In May, the port’s throughput increased by 28%, year-on-year, to 902,800 tonnes with turnover totaling 86 vessels.

The following stevedoring companies operate in the port: Rosterminal Ugol OJSC, Ust-Luga Branch of RosMorPort FSUE, Lesnoi Terminal Faktor OJSC, Commercial Seaport Ust-Luga OJSC, Multifunctional Transshipment Complex OJSC, European Sulphur Terminal OJSC.

Ust-Luga port is situated practically at the border of the Russian Federation and the European Union. The deep water area of the port (16 m) together with the short ship channel (3.7 km) make Ust-Luga port the only Russian port on the Baltic Sea capable of admitting dry-cargo vessels with the deadweight of up to 75,000 tonnes and liquid cargo carriers with the deadweight of up to 120,000 tonnes. The second ship channel providing roundabout ship traffic will be built by 2010. By 2010 the cargo turnover of Ust-Luga port is expected to amount to 50 mln tonnes.