Russia wants to organize freight traffic with the EU bypassing Poland
Russia’s Ministry of Transport is considering a possible increase in ferry line freight transportation routes, which bypass Poland, between Russia and the European Union (EU).
This is according to a statement of the Rosavtotrans state transport agency. This issue was discussed by the management of Dutch company, DFDS, and Russia’s Deputy Minister of Transport, Nikolay Asaul. They also discussed the development of a draft memorandum.
Russian officials hope that transporters will be able to deliver goods more efficiently by bypassing Poland as there will be no time lost on the road and there also won’t be a need to obtain a transit permit.
Rosavtotrans went on to state that DFDS representatives expressed their readiness to provide a ferry line, with the necessary number of freight ferries, to meet the demands of European transporters.
The relevant parties are currently discussing the various commercial seaports where it would be best to start a ferry line for this type of transportation.
Road freight transportation between Russia and Poland was temporarily suspended at the beginning of this year. At that time, the term of reciprocal permits for transport companies of both countries had expired, and the parties had failed to agree on the conditions for issuing new permits. Negotiations between the two countries on permit quotas were deadlocked and transportation was subsequently suspended.
The situation has become even more difficult this year due to changes in Russian legislation.
The Russian Ministry of Transport has insisted that the changes aim “to regulate control of Russian permits for freight deliveries in relation to third-party countries. It is also intended to encourage competition among auto carriers in the international service market to inspire fairness and transparency”.
However, Poland has stated that the new Russian legislation “discriminates Polish carriers” and “is contrary to international law”.