Patrushev spoke about the state of the river fleet in Russia

The potential of inland waterways and water transport in Russia is not being used effectively enough. This was announced on March 11 by Nikolai Patrushev, Assistant to the President of the Russian Federation, Chairman of the Maritime Board.

"Currently, the potential of inland waterways and water transport is not being used efficiently enough, and their operation is becoming unsafe," Patrushev said at a meeting of the Council of the Maritime Board for the Development and Support of Maritime Activities of the Russian Federation.

According to him, the average age of the technical river fleet exceeds 30 years, and river tankers – 49 years, which has already led to serious accidents. He also added that the rate of disposal of river vessels exceeds the rate of their construction, which turns the strategic asset of the Russian Federation into a source of systemic risks.

Patrushev noted that it is necessary to ensure the renewal of the fleet of river fleet vessels, including river-sea class vessels. In addition, measures should also be taken to ensure "guaranteed depths," including by clearing shipping routes from sunken objects.

"Only the integrated use of available water resources and waterways will contribute to achieving Russia's national development goals," the chairman of the board added.

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On January 30, Russian President Vladimir Putin, at a meeting with the head of the Ministry of Transport, Roman Starovoit, noted the good potential for expanding river transportation in the country. In turn, Starovoit also stressed the relevance of river transport, especially in the field of inter-regional passenger transportation. In this regard, the "River Highways" project was developed.