Russia to boost coal exports to Southeast Asian countries

MOSCOW (Scrap Monster) : According to reports, Russia is planning to expand its port capacity to boost coal exports to Southeast Asian countries.

Russia is believed to be expanding its Vanino port and building a new port with 20 million tonnes handling capacity in Far East. The Vanino port post expansion would have a capacity of 24 million tonnes. The country’s coal shipment to major destinations is mainly handled by the Vanino port presently. The Russian authorities are hopeful that upon completion of the expansion works, the port would be able to meet Asian market demand.

Russia’s coal production during the period from January to May this year totaled 142.7 million tonnes, which is 1.1% higher than the coal output during the same five-months period in 2012. The total exports by the country totaled 53.6 million tonnes during the period, which is higher by 5.2% year-on-year. Exports to China are supposed to go higher during the year.