Volga–Caspian shipping canal suspends vessel traffic for emergency repairs

Vessel traffic has been temporarily suspended on a section of the Volga–Caspian Sea Shipping Canal in Russia due to difficult navigational conditions caused by ongoing flooding impacts, authorities said.

According to Rosmorrechflot, shipping on the 151–155 km section of the canal was halted from 01:00 on June 19, 2026, and is expected to remain suspended until 01:00 on June 22, 2026, to allow for emergency repair works, Caliber.Az reports. 

The agency said intensive dredging operations are currently underway in the affected area, involving four high-capacity dredgers. Work is being coordinated by an operational headquarters that includes FSUE Rosmorport, its Astrakhan branch, the Administration of the Seaports of the Black, Azov and Caspian Seas, and Rosmorrechflot.

“All personnel are on high alert, and dredging operations are being carried out round the clock. A further announcement regarding the completion of the works and the opening of the channel will be made no later than 01:00 [GMT+4] on June 22, 2026. We ask shipowners to adjust their vessel schedules in good time,” the agency said.

By Sabina Mammadli