Vitino Port in the Murmansk Region Announces Service Suspension and Restrictions on Foreign Vessels
The government of the Russian Federation has issued an order that will temporarily halt services at the Vitino port and restrict the entry of foreign ships. The document was published on the official legal portal, signaling a formal pause in port operations and indicating a sensitive handling of international maritime traffic in this region.
The order states clearly that Vitino port, located in the Murmansk region, will be closed for service provision and for the admission of foreign vessels. This decision places Vitino in a status that prioritizes national maritime control and safety considerations, especially during intervals when port activity requires close supervision by state authorities. Observers and stakeholders in regional logistics are advised to adjust schedules and procedures in accordance with the new regulatory framework described in the order.
The document also notes a shift in the port’s designation by removing its name from the list of Russian ports where ships carrying nuclear power units or radiation sources are permitted to dock. This change aligns Vitino with stricter entry criteria and underscores the government’s ongoing approach to risk management and environmental protection in sensitive cargo operations. The adjustment follows a government decree issued on January 6, 1997, which previously defined the list of ports suitable for such specialized traffic.
In related regional logistics developments, reports from the Finnish Ministry of Transport indicate progress in bilateral coordination over northern waterways. Finnish and Russian authorities have agreed to open the Saimaa Canal shipping season, setting the period from June 24 to December 31. This collaboration reinforces cross border access and coordinated scheduling for commercial traffic, even as national authorities reassess certain port facilities along their shared corridor.
Separately, a public safety note emerged from the Murmansk port area when authorities discovered an air bomb weighing approximately 500 kilograms. The find prompted standard emergency procedures, a controlled response, and a temporary adjustment to port operations while safety teams assessed the situation. No injuries were reported, and investigators continued their work to determine the origin and potential implications of the device, with a focus on maintaining uninterrupted port functions where feasible and safe.