Bankrupt Nevelsk fishing seaport debt runs more than 100 million roubles

Bankrupt Nevelsk fishing seaport debt runs more than 100 million roubles to the State

10.04.2008, 10.12

YUZHNO-SAKHALINSK, April 10 (Itar-Tass) - The Nevelsk fishing seaport, which is currently in the stage of bankruptcy, owes more than 100 million roubles to the State, its business partners and its own personnel. On April 17, the Russian government is to examine options for the development of that Sakhalin-based harbour, speakers told a conference, held here, to discuss the problems of the port.

Konstantin Stroganov, First Vice-Governor of Sakhalin Region, said a task had been set now to revive the port. This can be promoted by full or partial repayment of its debts by the State and by suspension of the bankruptcy procedure. Earlier the procedure for the bankruptcy of the Mendeleyevo airport on the Kuril island of Kunashir had been suspended in this way.

Following a settlement of the question of the ownership of the port, it is planned to launch large-scale construction of hydraulic engineering installations, a loading-and-discharge terminal, and other infrastructure facilities there.

For years, Nevelsk has been the fishing center of Sakhalin island, the registry port of all fishing boats. Sakhalin Region Governor Alexander Khoroshavin believes that the port must be given the status of a Special Economic Area and a fish exchange must be established there for the port to get revived.