Global Ports and the Leningrad Region forge partnership to develop Ust-Luga Port
Global Ports, Russia’s leading operator of marine container terminals (part of Delo Group), and the Government of the Leningrad Region have signed a cooperation agreement at the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum 2024. The parties will join efforts to enhance transport infrastructure in the port of Ust-Luga. The document was signed by Alexander Drozdenko, Governor of the Leningrad Region, and Albert Likholet, CEO of Global Ports.
Under the agreement, Global Ports intends to implement a phased development for its Ust-Luga Container Terminal (ULCT, part of Global Ports) aiming to substantially increase its handling capacity for container, general and bulk cargo. The project includes constructing the second and third stages of the terminal. Depending on favorable market conditions, the terminal could potentially handle up to 25 million tons of cargo annually by 2032, a notable increase from the current capacity of 5 million tons. This expansion aims to meet the growing demand for handling the produce of industrial enterprises in the region.
In turn, the Government of the Leningrad Region will provide comprehensive support, exploring opportunities to enhance the regional legislative framework to enhance mechanisms for attracting business investments in the region.
ULCT, located in the deep-water port of Ust-Luga in the Kingisepp district of the Leningrad Region, offers several strategic advantages. Unlike St. Petersburg terminals, constrained by the sea channel's depth, ULCT can accommodate large vessels with a draft of more than 12 metres. The terminal is supported by one of the largest and most modern port railway stations ‘Luzhskaya’ of the Oktyabrskaya railway road, offering direct access to the railway network and bypassing the busy Saint Petersburg hub. This setup optimizes the logistics chain, reducing the delivery time of export and import cargo to final recipients.
As one of the most modern marine cargo terminals in the country, ULCT is equipped to handle all classes of hazardous cargo. Its infrastructure and expansive area allow for a swift increase in storage capacity and railway front.