Murmansk Bulk Terminal launches potash exports with a 35,000-tonne shipment, targeting 1.5 million tonnes by 2026 to enhance logistics for Russian producers.
Murmansk Bulk Terminal (MBT) has officially commenced its potash export operations, successfully loading its first shipment of 35,000 tonnes on December 21, as reported by Saint Petersburg's PortNews.
Under the terms of the contract, the terminal aims to manage up to 1.5 million tonnes of potash by 2026. The fertilizers are sourced from a central Russian enterprise and routed through the ice-free deep-water port to South American markets.
Recently, MBT upgraded its warehouse capacity to 16,000 tonnes and implemented advanced technology for simultaneous loading into different vessel holds. A Vityaz portal crane, capable of handling 60 hoppers per day, has been installed at Berth No. 17.
This agreement strengthens MBT's position as a strategic option for Russian exporters. The Murmansk port provides reliable access for producers from northwest and central Russia, with MBT's annual throughput projected at 8.4 million tonnes.
Currently, Russia exports approximately 13 million tonnes of potash annually, primarily through Baltic ports. The initiation of shipments via Murmansk enhances resilience and offers flexible logistics solutions for producers.
Located on the shore of Kola Bay, MBT is the only Arctic terminal handling mineral fertilizers, providing year-round access to global transport and logistics centers.
