OREANDA-NEWS. November 13, 2010. Belarusian potash producer Belaruskali has seen its transshipments via the seaport of Klaipeda doubling on the year in 2010 to 3.249 million tonnes, up 48% on the year, a source in the administration of the company told.

“Last year was not indicative because of the drop in demand on the global market caused by the crisis,” he said.

Klaipeda appears to be the most profitable direction for Belarusian exports of potash owing to the flexible tariff policy of ports and the fact that Lithuanian railway has not increased fees this year.

In 2008, the Belarusian producer and port signed a long-term agreement on transshipment of at least 3 million tonnes of potash annually.

In 2009, 2.34 million tonnes of potash were transshipped via Klaipeda.

Last year, export of Belarusian potash fertilizers amounted to 2.948 million tonnes, compared to 6.48 million tonnes in 2008.

Belaruskali is one of the largest potash makers in the world, employing about 20,000 personnel. The company plans to increase its output to 9.65 million tonnes annually by 2015. Belaruskali accounts for 15.3% of the world potash production.