Summa Group is interested in expanding its list of port facilities and Transneft, which lost supply volumes from Azerbaijan, has to load the Makhachkala – Novorossiysk pipeline. According to sources, Kommersant and experts, in such interaction Summa Group can implement the project without damaging relationships with local businesses and Transneft can provide lobbying support.

Transneft is considering the possibility of oil receipt capacity extension in Makhachkala Commercial Sea Port (MCSP) for its transportation Makhachkala- Novorossiysk pipeline, said Nikolai Tokarev, Transneft CEO. Such plans are based on a large number of incoming requests, wishing to pump oil in that direction. Mr. Tokarev added that one of the world’s largest oil traders – Dutch company Trafigura – offered the consolidation of all deliveries of Turkmen oil to Makhachkala, providing stability and regularity of supply.

In addition, sources of Kommersant familiar with the situation, said the facilities of Dagnefteprodukt are old and transit infrastructure in the MCSP is outdated.

MCSP belongs to the state.

In late December, Summa Group has announced its plan to build additional infrastructure (including the storage of oil and petroleum products) near MCSP. Summa is also a partner of  Transneft in Novorossiysk Commercial Sea Port (NCSP). Currently the companies are in discussion process of port assets management division.

It has been stressed out in the Summa Group that they are ready to consider new projects with Transneft, including possible developments of MCSP as “the rise of oil throughput volumes through Makhachkala will be a positive event, not only for the MCSP, but also for the NCSP.” Nikolai Tokarev confirmed that Transneft has received an offer from Summa Group for the construction of terminals near the MCSP, but it has not been considered seriously so far.

A source close to Transneft, explained that the company is interested in the development of the port by Summa Group, especially the creation of its infrastructure for transportation of oil products.

Andrey Polishchuk from Raiffeisenbank believes that the current problems of MCSP could be addressed effectively through collective efforts  of Summa Group and Transneft ” The Summa Group could act as an investor and manager, and pipeline monopoly – as a lobbyist at the federal level.” But if Mr. Magomedov, Summa Group CEO, decides to build an oil terminal on its own, the company will either have to buy out infrastructure of Dagnefteprodukt or offer a joint project.