Okhotsk seaport closes after record cargo growth in harsh Arctic winter
The seaport of Okhotsk in Russia's Khabarovsk Krai has shut down for the season due to plummeting temperatures. Despite the closure, the port has seen a significant increase in activity this year. Okhotsk port, managed by the Far Eastern Shipping Company (FESCO) and under federal supervision, handled 225 vessels in the past season, marking a 10% rise from 2024. This upsurge in traffic was accompanied by a 20% increase in cargo volume, with the port processing 415,500 tons. The port administration and regional government agencies in the Sakha Republic (Yakutia) oversaw this notable performance. Operating in the harsh Russian winter, Okhotsk seaport relies heavily on icebreaker support to facilitate shipping. With temperatures dropping, the port has now closed for the season, as it does annually. Despite the seasonal closure, Okhotsk port has demonstrated impressive growth in vessel traffic and cargo handling. Looking ahead, the port's future success will depend on effective management and continued icebreaker support during the challenging winter months.
