EMEA News
Russian Authorities OK Some Offshore Bunkering
Russia's Central Energy Customs (CEC) Deputy Chief Igor Golodayev has announced that offshore bunkering at the nation's seaports is allowed under certain conditions, Russian market specialists IAA Port News reports.
Offshore bunkering is permitted when done by specialized bunkering companies of vertically integrated structures "as participants of foreign economic activities with a low risk to violate the existing legislation," or by entities supplying fuel made by refineries that were put into operation under orders from the Ministry of Energy.
The CEC had previously ordered that offshore bunkering of tankers was not allowed except in specific designated locations.
The rules prompted an outcry from bunkering industry players, who argued that Russian ports would be hurt economically and be unable to compete with nearby foreign ports.
