Cargo transshipment at the Port of Saint Petersburg

Features of terminal transshipment

Terminal transshipment in Saint Petersburg relies on well-developed port infrastructure and high throughput capacity. JSC "Maritime Port of Saint Petersburg" is capable of handling approximately 8–10 million tons of dry cargo per year, operating 24/7 and accommodating large-tonnage vessels. The container terminals PKT and KTSP are designed for millions of TEUs: KTSP has an annual capacity of about 1 million TEUs, while the First Container Terminal (PKT), following modernization, has increased its throughput to approximately 1.35 million TEUs per year.

As part of the terminal service, container, bulk, and breakbulk cargo are handled with consideration of the Gulf of Finland's specific conditions: icebreaker escort is provided in winter, and the port offers convenient access to both rail networks and key highways. In addition to "standard" dry cargo, the terminals handle dangerous goods, refrigerated cargo, and oversized project cargo, allowing Saint Petersburg to be integrated into complex multimodal supply chains without the need to switch logistics partners at modal interchange points.

Stages of bulk cargo transshipment

Terminal transshipment from vessel to marine terminal is a step-by-step cargo handling process — from vessel approach to the port to onward dispatch by land — where speed and safety are paramount.

1. Preparatory stage and planning

• Coordination of vessel arrival time (notice of readiness)
• Verification of ship and cargo documents
• Planning of berth usage, storage areas, and handling equipment (cranes, grabs, conveyors)

2. Berthing and vessel arrival formalities

• Vessel approach to the berth and positioning for handling
• Securing mooring lines and placing fenders to protect the hull
• Completion of border and customs control
• Preparation for unloading

3. Unloading preparation

• Opening of hatch covers
• Setup of necessary handling equipment and functionality checks
• Inspection of safety systems and dust suppression equipment

4. Cargo unloading (vessel to shore)

• Operation of shore-based or shipboard cranes with grabs; feeding cargo into hoppers or conveyor lines
• Regulation of unloading intensity to prevent equipment overload
• Minimization of dust and spillage through the use of enclosures, misting systems, and careful operation

5. Storage and warehousing

• Transport of cargo via conveyors or trucks to open or covered terminal storage areas
• Formation of stacks and segregated storage of different lots
• Quantity and condition monitoring; maintenance of required storage conditions

6. Dispatch to land transport

• Loading of cargo from storage onto railcars, trucks, or another vessel
• Weighing and preparation of accompanying documents

7. Final stage

• Cleaning of holds and adjacent areas from cargo residues
• Closing of hatch covers; vessel preparation for departure
• Unmooring and departure of the vessel from port

This process ensures a continuous logistics chain “vessel–warehouse–rail/truck”, where the key factor is the high speed of loading and unloading operations.