The discussion focused on issues related to developing inland waterways and increasing the efficiency of inland water transport.
The implementation of the Development of Inland Waterways Backbone Network Infrastructure federal project, which is part of the Efficient Transport System national project, was discussed. Proposals aimed at creating equal competitive environment with land modes of transport and measures to provide funding for current maintenance of inland waterways were reviewed. Special attention was paid to navigable hydraulic structures and implementation of measures to remove infrastructure limitations on inland waterways.
Measures to ensure guaranteed depths, including by clearing shipping routes of sunken objects and bringing navigable hydraulic engineering structures up to standard, were proposed, as well as measures aimed at comprehensive modernisation of port infrastructure and approach roads.
Among other topics discussed were improving state support mechanisms for shipbuilding and serial renewal of cargo and passenger fleet.
It was noted that the development of inland waterways and water transport should become one of the key tools for achieving the country’s national development goals and ensuring connectivity of Russian regions.
The Council meeting was chaired by Chairman of the Maritime Board of the Russian Federation, Presidential Aide Nikolai Patrushev and Chairman of the Council for the Development and Support of Maritime Activities, Head of the Presidential Directorate for National Maritime Policy Sergei Vakhrukov.
