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Gazpromneft-Lubricants, a subsidiary of Gazprom Neft specializing in the production and sale of oils, greases and technical fluids, has confirmed that it has resumed the regular supply of marine oils at the Russian port of Ust-Luga.

Bulk deliveries of lubricating products are being carried out by the tanker Gazpromneft-Zuid, which is a 1991-built certified bunker barge.

In a statement, Gazpromneft-Lubricants explained that it is offering a "complete range" of both bulk and packaged oils in Ust-Luga.

The Russian supplier noted that the "ice-free port" of Ust-Luga is one of the key ports in the Baltic Sea basin, highlighting the advantage to shipping firms of being able to call at the port all year round - echoing a description on the port's website which states that "year-round operation and a short ice channeling period are the unquestionable competitive advantages of Ust-Luga Port".

The supplier added in its statement that the "twelve-month supply of high-quality marine lubricants in the port is especially important for Russian and foreign shipowners".

Situated on the Luga River, approximately 110 kilometres west of St. Petersburg, the depth of the port's waters (17.5 metres) together with its 3.7-kilometre and 1.8-kilometre approach channels enables it to accept any large-capacity vessels with a loaded draft that allows them to pass through the Danish straits, as well as any ro-ro ocean-going vessels.

Roman Miroshnichenko, head of marine lube oils at Gazpromneft-Lubricants, remarked: "Currently, our service covers all ports of the Baltic basin, including the port of Kaliningrad. [By] improving the service quality for the marine lubricants supply in Ust-Luga, Gazpromneft-Lubricants creates the comfortable business environment and thereby increases the attraction of the port for Russian and foreign shipowners."