In International Shipping News 21/11/2016
A new procedure for calculating the limits for bunkering volumes in Russian ports will come into force on 1 December. The new regulation was adopted by the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) on 1 November. Market participants expect the new standard to boost bunkering demand in Russia by transit vessels.
According to the regulation, vessels calling Russian ports less than once in 30 days can buy fuel on the basis of their bunker tank capacity net of current product residue in it. Shipowners will be also allowed to purchase marine fuels without having cargo operations.
The regulation “allows vessels to fuel without any restrictions … We are waiting for regulation clarifications from customs”, one trader said.
Currently bunkering limits in Russian ports are based on the vessels route distance. Tax authorities can interpret this provision differently: as a distance from one port to another or as a path from a port to the cargo destination including all other ports of calls. The lack of clear wording often triggers controversies.
Currently in order to fuel at Russian ports, foreign vessels must have cargo operations. To meet this requirement in Russia’s far east region – Primorsky Krai, shipowners take small cargoes such as lubricants and water.
Source: Argus
