OREANDA-NEWS. October 6, 2011. The volume of Russian exports of thermal coal through the port of Vysotsk (Leningrad region) in January-September 2011 surged by 48% compared to the same period of last year, to 2,456,690 tons, the port’s stevedore company said.

In September, the first 45,000dwt bulker ever docked at the port to take on board export coal. Overall, monthly coal throughput of LLC Port Vystotsk totaled in September 255,760 tons.

Now the port of Vysotsk is able to accommodate and load large tonnage ships thanks to completion of a dredging and reconstruction project implemented in 2008-2010.

Port Vysotsky LLC operating the coal terminal specializes in handling of coal cargo exported to Western Europe. In 2010, the company exported 2.3 million tons of coal versus 2.9m tons a year earlier. Harbor and approach channel were deepened to 12.7 meters, as a result of dredging that ended in December 2010. The port’s approach channel became 200 meters in width. Now, vessels with maximum draft of 9.3 m and 11.9 m, bulkers of more than 45000dwt can enter Vysotsk port.