Set of measures to restrict return of global container lines to Russia may be approved in 2026 - deputy transport minister
MOSCOW. March 20 (Interfax) - A set of measures to restrict the return of global container lines that left Russia is being developed and may be approved this year, Deputy Transport Minister Alexander Poshivai told journalists.
"It is being developed and is currently undergoing approval," he said.
"Of course, this year [it is planned that it will be approved]," Poshivai said when answering a corresponding question.
The document has not yet passed the approval procedure with federal executive authorities, so it is premature to talk about the basic proposals, he said.
The authorities are preparing to restrict the return of global container line operators to the Russian market, Kommersant reported earlier on Friday, citing sources.
According to the publication, the Russian government is developing a draft decree that will significantly complicate the return of the largest global container lines to the Russian market that left in 2022. The document introduces a number of strict conditions for companies from unfriendly countries wishing to resume maritime shipping with calls at Russian ports.
Among them are: the registration of the shipowner, carrier and operator under Russian legislation, a share of the ultimate Russian participant of more than 50%, the obligation to primarily accept and transport cargo subject to sanctions and cargo from shippers or consignees subject to sanctions, the insurance of the vessel and shipowner's liability by Russian insurers or reinsurance in Russia, as well as consent to litigate in Russia if the plaintiff so wishes, and to make Russia the venue for corporate disputes.
It is noted that vessels operated on the line must be owned by the operator, and transportation along the entire route from the country of origin of the goods to Russia or back must be carried out only by the operator's own vessels.
The special list of companies with which partnership opportunities are limited includes the ten largest global maritime container carriers, including Denmark's Maersk, France's CMA CGM and Germany's Hapag-Lloyd. However, the largest operator MSC (Mediterranean Shipping Company, Switzerland) is absent from the list.
