Russian grain exporters plan to buy fleet in China
18.08.2025 - 15:12
To transport grain, Russia plans to upgrade its fleet with Chinese bulk carriers instead of its own, as it is more economical.
Liga writes this with reference to Russian media.
Rosagroleasing and the United Shipbuilding Corporation (USC) have announced that they plan to upgrade their fleet with new bulk carriers.
In total, 61 large-tonnage vessels are needed, but their construction in Russia costs four times more than in China. In particular, we are talking about 27 Handysize vessels (40,000 deadweight tons) and 34 Supramax vessels (60,000 tons). According to USC calculations, construction in Russia will cost from 12.5 billion to 16.5 billion rubles ($160-200 million) per vessel, while in China the same vessels cost 3.5-4.2 billion rubles ($43-52 million).
The Russians note that for profitability and competitiveness, the ship should cost no more than 5.5 billion rubles ($68 million).
The timing also does not suit exporters: construction in Russia will take at least two and a half years, even with state support. In contrast, in China, the first ships could be ready in a year or a half.
The plan provides that the first ten bulk carriers will be completely built in China, the remaining 51 bulk carriers can be built in Russia if “it is possible to ensure a market price for construction and supply of equipment.”
Earlier, USM reported that another 42 Russian ships-violators were included in the GUR portal of the Ministry of Defense.
