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The Russian Association of Marine and River Bunker Suppliers (RosMorRechBunker) has signed a cooperation agreement with the Russian Transport Ministry, according to local media reports.

The agreement means both parties will work together on issues relating to the development of state policy and legal regulations in the area of maritime and river transport.

The newly-signed pact will cover a number of issues including the establishment of a legal framework and the creation of a legal operating environment for the Russian shipping fleet (including bunkering vessels) on routes within the country's sea and river ports and inland waterways.

The Russian Association of Marine and River Bunker Suppliers was established in 2005 and is made up of 26 member companies specializing in the supply of marine fuel in the Russian Federation. The principal aim of Association is to unite the participants of the bunker industry and to assist the communication process between industry members and relevant governmental bodies.

RosMorRechBunker is also to host a forum in June 2009 to examine and discuss current issues related to bunkering in Russian ports.

The event, entitled "Current State and Prospects for Development of the Russian Bunker Market" will mainly focus on the Russian bunker market and is expected to be attended by over a hundred delegates representing Russian bunkering, shipping, stevedoring, engineering and insurance companies, heads of port terminals, financial institutions and port authority representatives.

The bunker forum will be held on June 26-27 at the Renaissance St. Petersburg Baltic Hotel in St. Petersburg.