The Russian Association of Marine and River Bunker Suppliers informed Bunkerworld today that the board has received several new applications for membership as the recently formed association gathers momentum. 

At its latest meeting, held yesterday, members of the board discussed applications from seven companies, five bunkering companies and two barging companies, all working in St. Petersburg and neighbouring ports. 

The board was also informed of a further two applicants, considered to be large-scale companies headquartered in Arkhangelsk (White Sea) and Volgograd (Volga Basin). 

These applications are to be discussed further, with recommendations to be presented at the next general meeting in January. 

Vitaly Kovalev, president of the association commented: "We have to clarify how our candidates can guarantee international quality of their fuel, what they intend to do in order to improve their service, and whether or not they have claims from clients and inspectors etc." 

The association was formed to protect the joint commercial interests of the nation's bunker suppliers, promote the image of Russia's bunkering sector by ensuring quality fuels and service, ensure open and honest competition in the sector, and establish dialogue with legislators and regulators. 

Indeed, Natalya Bagaeva, Chair of the government committee on oil products transportation said that ongoing dialogue with the industry had helped legislators and regulators better understand the processes of bunkering, allowing for intelligent and informed formulation of new regulations which are to be approved by the state Duma next year. 

The association, which was formed in June this year, currently has 21 members, representing bunkering companies across Russia from Kaliningrad to the Far East.