Novorossiysk, Russia (Ports Europe) September 26, 2022 – The Russian government is considering setting up a regular ferry service with Turkey. Whilst discussion are probably in an initial stage, the development is a reflection of the expending relationship between Russia and Turkey, and the increasing appearance of Novorossiysk port in the news.
International sanctions against Russia following its invasion of Ukraine have drastically affected its economy. The West is almost a closed market for its goods and it has had to reorientate its trade policy towards the south and east. Turkey has not applied sanctions and is not on Moscow’s list of “unfriendly countries and territories”. Thus, Moscow looks to expand relations with Ankara.
The countries declared earlier this year that they would increase the foreign trade turnover to $100 billion by 2030 ($35 billion in 2021).
Novorossiysk port
Another development area is Novorossiysk port. Novorossiysk Sea Port (NSP) is one of the largest ports in the Black Sea basin and the largest in Krasnodar Krai. The bay is ice-free and open for navigation all year round. The port is located at the crossroads of major international transport corridors between Russia and the Mediterranean Sea, the Near East and Africa. NSP is the final destination for several international highways, such as the Trans-Siberian Railway, TRACECA, North-South International Transport Corridor, and Pan-European International Transport Corridor 9.
Russian Black Sea naval fleet
It is home to the Russian Black Sea naval fleet. As the Russian invasion of Ukraine has experienced setbacks, there have been reports in the international press that Russian Navy Kilo Class Submarines have relocated their base fro Sevastopol to Novorossiysk. This reflects Russian security issues and is likely to result in some investment in Novorossiysk.
Novorossiysk has also been undergoing commercial expansion, both in terms of cargo handling and land communications.
Ports Europe: Novorossiysk transport hub project to redirect Russian trade
Secondly, the port is also seen as a new trade hub for region business. This includes increasing cargo and passenger business with Turkey. Increasing numbers of Russians have been taking holidays in Turkey and this is a useful stream of revenue for Ankara. Both cargo and passenger businesses are seen as areas of potential expansion.
Russia setting up regular cargo and ferry service with Turkey would seem part of this strategy.
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