Analysis of trends in oil cargo transportation through seaports of the Russian Federation

The article analyzes current trends in the development of transportation of oil cargoes by sea, rail and pipeline modes of transport. Particular attention is paid to the changes taking place in the railway and pipeline transport, as the closest partners and competitors of the maritime mode of transport. At the same time, there is a stability of trends aimed at strengthening partnerships within the Russian transportation market for oil cargo, which is ensured by assigning market segments and market participants to modes of transport. The following factors are indicated as determining factors for dividing the market: a different degree of inertia when changing the volume of supplies when using different modes of transport, the impact of financial agreements, uneven consumption, geographical features of transportation. A study conducted by the author, covering various possibilities for transporting oil cargoes, showed that the main reason for the departure of part of the cargo from sea transport and railways is associated with the progressive development of the system of main pipelines, while sea and railway transport are virtually unable to compete on price with pipeline transport due to regulatory restrictions.. In addition, this process is influenced by such technological advantages of pipeline transport as high throughput, automation of loading, pumping and unloading processes, as well as minimizing cargo loss.