Russia Sets Clear Agenda for Competitive Opportunity

 

Russia’s renewed focus on the commercial shipbuilding industry was set as a key aim by Prime Minister, Dmitry Medvedev in his recent discussions on the development of the sector through 2015. Various industry ministries have been charged with analysing industry prospects until 2030, with the findings to be submitted by January 2015. 

The Russian Energy Ministry was instructed to study the needs in dedicated fleet and other marine solutions for exploration, drilling and the transportation of crude oil, gas and gas condensate by 2030. This is to be undertaken in conjunction with OAO Rosneft, OAO Gazprom, LUKOIL, JSC NOVATEK and other stakeholders, taking into account the planned production volumes of hydrocarbons while developing offshore fields. The results will be submitted to the Russian Ministry of Transport, Ministry of Economic Development of Russia and the Russian Ministry of Industry, specifying the vessels range, characteristics and the number of vessels needed (per year).

This initiative coincides with other developments including recent amendments to the Russian legislation on foreign investments in strategic companies (including oil and gas companies).  The amendments introduce more liberal rules in relation to acquisitions by foreign companies controlled by Russian citizens, certain intra-group restructurings involving foreign investors and acquisitions made by foreign investors that already have control over strategic companies.

Although the major trends in the Russian oil and gas sector over the past year have been primarily influenced by sanctions and weakening oil prices there seems evidence of emerging opportunities and rapid project developments on the horizon.  Rosneft and Sberbankhave already submitted claims to challenge the sanctions and a number of other major Russian companies have also declared their intention to do the same.

NEVA has, since 1991, continuously supported the accelerating expansion of Russia's commercial maritime and offshore industries by promoting development opportunities, products, services, designers and manufacturers, and cooperation with world-wide shipping and trade. In addition, itaims to stimulate international participation in Russia's redevelopment programmes.

Beyond the short term, prospects for developing commercial shipbuilding within Russia remain strong.  The current order book for civil maritime vessels and facilities for the period until 2030 appears promising, extending to 1,250 units, including more than 40 oil tankers and gas carriers, 300 offshore supply vessels and 150 drilling and survey platforms.  The placement of these provisional orders and Russia’s plans to develop its industrial capabilities indicate that construction work will be implemented as new facilities in Asia enter into operation.

Matthew M. White, General Director for Dolphin Exhibitions – organiser of NEVA, said: “This is a truly exciting time for the industry and NEVA 2015 is perfectly timed to showcase the opportunities that will develop.  NEVA Exhibitions are proud to continue delivering this message of opportunity to the widest possible International and Russian audience.”

More than 15,000 professional visitors and guests attended the event in 2013, with over 700 exhibiting companies and administrations from 35 countries, including 17 national pavilions.  The NEVA 2015 profile will promote traditional sectors of Shipbuilding, Ship Equipment, Offshore Shelf Construction and Equipment, Ports and Oceanography.  The 2015 Event will be held at the newly purpose-built Expoforum Exhibition Complex near Pulkovo International Airport.