АУРУС Логистик

The year 2025 has been a period of rapid growth and technological transformation for the Great Port of St. Petersburg. Having reclaimed its leading position in container handling in Russia, the port has faced new challenges that have directly impacted the work of surveyor companies. Let's explore what has changed in survey services and what cargo owners should pay attention to.

Trend #1: Full Digitalization of Port Processes

The main theme of the year has been digitalization. The Sea Port of St. Petersburg became the first in Russia to fully automate its service for approving pass applications. As of May 2025, even the Passenger Port has switched to 100% electronic processing. For surveyors, this means instant access to all terminals (CTSP, PLP, FCT, etc.) and the ability to be present 24/7 for any cargo operations.

Furthermore, the implementation of the "Sea Port" electronic portal allows authorities to make unloading decisions even before the vessel's arrival, drastically reducing downtime and customs clearance time.

Trend #2: Growth in Cargo Turnover and New Logistical Realities

At the beginning of 2025, the port's cargo turnover increased by almost 7%, and container handling by 13%. This growth, coupled with the introduction of a General Rate Increase (GRI) of $1000 per container from China by shipping lines, has increased the value of each shipment. In such conditions, the role of an independent surveyor who can accurately record the quantity and condition of goods during transshipment becomes critically important to protect the cargo owner's interests.

Trend #3: Stricter Environmental and Regulatory Requirements

The environmental agenda is setting new rules. In 2025, the port tightened requirements for ship waste disposal and air quality monitoring. New shipping safety rules also came into effect in the Neva water area. For surveyors, this means needing to verify not only the cargo itself but also the vessel's compliance with all current environmental and transport regulations, which can affect insurance claims.

What Do Quality Surveyor Services Include Today?

With the growing cargo insurance market, the concept of a "survey" has significantly expanded. It's no longer just about counting boxes. Professional surveyor companies, like AURUS Logistic, provide a comprehensive service:

Cargo Survey: Inspection of cargo before, during, and after loading. Tally services, marking verification, packaging condition assessment.
Vehicle/Vessel Inspection: Examination of containers and ship holds to ensure they are suitable for transporting a specific type of cargo.
Damage/Claim Survey: Recording and assessing damage in the event of an insured incident, and gathering evidence for the insurance company.
Loading/Unloading Supervision: Monitoring stevedoring operations to prevent damage to the goods.

Conclusion: In 2025, a surveyor is not just a counter but a highly qualified technical expert, lawyer, and risk manager all in one. Their task is to ensure the safety of your assets in a constantly changing port environment. Choosing the right surveyor company has become a key element of risk management in modern logistics.