In Russia, foreign vessels have been permitted to operate in internal waters
The Russian Federation has adopted a decision that effectively opens its internal waters to foreign vessels. The reason cited is a lack of funding to upgrade the aging fleet and the failure of the modernization program.
According to a government decree dated May 30, 2026, ships flying foreign flags are now permitted to perform tasks that were previously the exclusive prerogative of the Russian fleet.
This covers a wide range of maritime activities, including:
- coastal shipping between ports;
- icebreaking operations;
- search and rescue operations;
- hydraulic and underwater engineering works;
- exploration and development of marine mineral resources.
To operate in inland waters, foreign companies must obtain a special permit from Rosmorflot.
In this case, the documents must be approved by the Russian Ministry of Defense and the FSB, and applicants must provide complete information about the vessel, crew, routes, and ports of call.
A condition for admission is the absence of suitable Russian vessels in the fleet registry that could perform such work.
Thus, foreign operators will be able to enter the sector only when Russian vessels are unable to perform the tasks.
The decision was made amid challenges with the modernization of the Russian navy.
Previously, the Russian government planned to decommission all river-sea class vessels older than 40 years by 2030 and build approximately 500 new dry cargo ships, tankers, and container ships.
However, according to sources, there is a shortfall of about 290 billion rubles to implement the program, which became one of the key factors in opening the market to foreign vessels.
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