However, according to Kommersant, permits will need to be obtained for each voyage, as well as for the use of vessels for coastal engineering, in marine resource research, exploration and development of the shelf.

Foreign-flag vessels and vessels not registered in any of the Russian registries are allowed coastal shipping in case of a shortage of Russian specialised fleet. The relevant amendments to the Government decree regulating coastal shipping and other activities in inland sea waters or the territorial sea of the Russian Federation by foreign-flag vessels were signed by Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin.

According to the decree, coastal shipping, as well as recovery of sunken assets, coastal engineering, subsea and other types of work in the territorial sea can be carried out by foreign-flag vessels that are not registered in the Russian registries in several cases. This is possible if the corresponding work requires a special fleet, which is absent in the Russian Federation, or if the timing, volumes or area of this work is not available for the Russian fleet. In this case, a coastal shipping permit for foreign- flag vessels shall be issued 'only' for 'single transportation or towing of cargo or passengers between the point of departure and destination'. Exceptions do not apply to icebreaking assistance, search, rescue and towing operations.

The list of works to which a foreign-flag fleet may be attracted also includes marine resource research, exploration and development of mineral resources of the seabed and its subsoil in the inland sea waters and the territorial sea of the Russian Federation, in the exclusive economic zone and on the continental shelf.

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