A new sea line between St. Petersburg and Kaliningrad has been launched: a way to circumvent sanctions
From November 12, 2025, a new marine container line will start operating between St. Petersburg and Kaliningrad. The project is being implemented by the shipping company Balt Gulf Shipping with the participation of the logistics operator C-Shipping. The plans include regular flights with a focus on the delivery of consumer goods, including both Russian products and cargo from the EAEU countries.
According to Alexey Gagarinov, CEO of C-Shipping, the first stage of the line's operation will be provided by one container ship, the Kristal Vladivostok. However, an expansion of the fleet is possible in the future. He noted that the Kaliningrad Region remains an important strategic region, especially in the context of transport restrictions caused by EU sanctions.
Since 2022, the delivery of goods to the enclave has been complicated due to the ban on transit through the territory of Lithuania. Road transportation is limited, and rail transportation is allowed only within the limits of annually reviewed quotas. As a result, sea transportation has become the main supply channel for the region.
Currently, 28 vessels, including five ferries, provide maritime logistics to the Kaliningrad Region. The government subsidizes transportation in order to reduce the cost of transporting sanctioned goods. In 2025, 4 billion rubles were allocated for these purposes, and in 2026 it is planned to increase to 5 billion rubles, although the regional authorities consider this amount insufficient.
The creation of the new line is aimed not only at ensuring stable supplies, but also at improving the quality of life of the region's residents. According to Gagarinov, it is important that Kaliningrad residents can use their usual goods and services, just like residents of other Russian regions.
The project also solves a technical problem — the shortage of container ships under the Russian flag. Due to difficulties in obtaining coastal permits for foreign vessels, the operator had to limit himself to one vessel, but the prospects for the development of the line have already been laid.
Thus, the new sea line strengthens the logistical independence of the Kaliningrad Region and creates additional opportunities for sustainable supply to the region.
