ST. PETERSBURG, September 25. /TASS/. A regulatory act would help Russian fleet ensure its competitiveness and the right of priority access to cargoes in Russian ports, Chief Executive Officer of Sovcomflot Igor Tonkovidov said in an interview with TASS, adding that such a document would connect the interests of freight and ship owners.

"A regulatory act connecting the interests of freight and ship owners would obviously facilitate the development of the Russian fleet. This will ensure both competitiveness and the right of priority access to cargoes in Russian ports of the Russian fleet," he said.

The local fleet not only competes with the foreign fleet in Russian ports now, but it also faces unequal terms, CEO said.

"In this respect I suggest that regulatory measures should be taken by the state that would reflect the country’s values and priorities," he noted.

Sovcomflot Group is Russia’s largest shipping company and one of the global leaders in marine transportation of hydrocarbons, including crude oil and petroleum products, liquefied gas, and in transport servicing of oil and gas projects on the continental shelf, including offshore seismic exploration.