Rostov Region May Lose 70% Exports Over New 'Aged Fleet' Law

A proposed federal law restricting the use of aged ships could cut off 70% of Rostov Region's exports, according to a regional business official.

Feb 1, 2026

The proposed ban on ships over 40 years old could also halt industrial fishing in the Azov-Black Sea basin, according to industry associations.
Source:
Yevgeny Vdovin / 161.RU

Rostov Region may lose 70% of its exports due to a proposed federal law on «aged fleet.» This was stated by Denis Brodsky, export director of Yug Rusi, at a meeting of the regional Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

According to him, agricultural exports from Rostov Region are primarily carried out by sea and river transport.

«The Russian Ministry of Transport is currently finalizing a new bill to restrict the use of aged fleet. And we state with full responsibility that 70% of exports (if the law is passed. — Ed.) will be impossible to carry out,» said Brodsky.

He explained that the law is «currently poorly controlled,» businesses are finding it «difficult» to influence its development, and it is not entirely clear how it will be implemented.

The law in question envisages a de facto ban on the use of ships older than 40 years. The idea was voiced in early August 2025 at a meeting with First Deputy Prime Minister Denis Manturov. The ban is proposed to be introduced in stages, with full effect from January 1, 2030. The Russian Ministry of Industry and Trade was then instructed to prepare such a program.

Earlier, reported 161.RU, the same law was criticized by the All-Russian Association of Fisheries Enterprises, Entrepreneurs and Exporters (VARPE). They claimed that if such restrictions are introduced, industrial fishing in the Azov-Black Sea basin will stop.