The wear and tear situation of the Russian civilian fleet is nearing critical levels. Most vessels have already exceeded the 30-year mark, and many are twice as old. This is reported by the publication "MediaPaluba".
For example, in the cargo fleet, 63% of the 910 tankers and 73% of the 1465 dry cargo ships are over 30 years old. The passenger fleet consists of 1877 vessels: 70% are over 30 years old, of which 18% are over 60 years old. The fishing fleet is 65% over 30 years old, and the support and technical fleet is up to 92% over 25–35 years old. The icebreaker fleet is critical for the Arctic: 43% of icebreakers are over 40 years old.
In April 2025, USC sent a proposal to the President of the Russian Federation on comprehensive measures to limit the operation of dilapidated vessels and stimulate the construction of new ones. In July, the Ministry of Industry and Trade, and in August, government meetings outlined plans to form a register of obsolete vessels and expand the preferential leasing program for new ones.
Experts warn that banning the operation of all vessels older than 30 years will lead to a collapse of the industry. Small companies owning aged fleets will not be able to quickly renew, and old vessels provide prompt coverage of spot transportation.
The State Transport Leasing Company (GTLK) predicts that 400–819 passenger vessels of Soviet construction will be decommissioned by 2030. Russian shipyards built a record 33 passenger vessels in 2023, but this is clearly not enough to replace thousands of old units.
The problem is exacerbated by the high cost of construction and credit rates exceeding 5%, which makes new vessels economically unprofitable for most transportation. The state stimulates renewal through benefits and recycling programs, but the key question is how to ensure the replacement of thousands of worn-out vessels without disrupting transport and economic security.
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