Russian Ports Brace for Cargo Slowdowns Amidst Heightened Security and Ice Conditions

Northwestern Russian ports are anticipating a “significant decline” in foreign trade cargo handling due to stricter inspections mandated by President Vladimir Putin, coupled with challenging ice conditions in the Gulf of Finland. The warning comes from the Association of Russian Sea Commercial Ports (ASOP), as reported by The Moscow Times on February 17, 2026.

New Inspections Following Ust-Luga Incident

The increased scrutiny follows an explosion on the tanker Koala in the port of Ust-Luga in February 2025, prompting Putin to order mandatory inspections of all vessels entering Russian ports. While ASOP supports the decree aimed at strengthening port security, it highlights the “serious logistical problems” it has created, including increased costs and extended vessel handling times, according to Ilya Zharsky, managing partner at consultancy Veta .

Impact on Cargo Flow and Economy

ASOP, in a letter to Transport Minister Andrei Nikitin, cautioned that any reduction in cargo turnover would not only affect ports but also Russian Railways, cargo owners and the broader Russian economy. The combination of tighter controls and severe ice conditions is already disrupting export flows.

Calls for Amended Regulations and Risk-Based Approach

The association has proposed a temporary moratorium on underwater hull inspections for ships carrying non-hazardous cargo – including containers, ferrous and non-ferrous metals, mineral fertilizers, and coal – during the ice season. ASOP also called for amendments to the government resolution implementing the decree, advocating for:

• Clear criteria for selecting vessels for inspection.
• Defined procedures for placing ships at anchorage for checks.
• Established deadlines for conducting inspections.
• A unified methodology for inspections.

Ilya Zharsky emphasized the need for a risk-based approach, arguing that applying identical requirements to all vessel types is “illogical from a risk perspective.” He suggested full inspections for tankers and gas carriers, selective checks for container ships, and simplified procedures for bulk carriers.

Cargo Turnover Statistics

Data from ASOP indicates that cargo turnover at Russian seaports totaled 884.5 million tons in 2025, a 0.4% decrease year-on-year. Throughput at Baltic basin ports fell 0.6% to 271.3 million tons. The Great Port of St. Petersburg saw a 3% increase to 54.6 million tons, while volumes at Ust-Luga declined 3.4% to 130.5 million tons.