Novorossiysk, Russia 1990

"Novorossiysk has become Russia's most significant Black Sea Port"

With the foothills of the Caucasus Mountains as a scenic back drop Novorossiysk, with its pleasant sub-tropical climate, sits on a deep sheltered bay at the Northern end of a string of Russian Black Sea Resorts.

Since the break up of the USSR Novorossiysk has become Russia's most significant Black Sea Port.

The City handles 50% of Russia's Oil Exports, plus timber, coal, grain and cement. The port has 25 berths, with scores of ships anchored in the bay. Plans exist to expand the capacity of the port to 58.

The City which has a population of 200,000 people, is also a base port for the Ocean Going Fishing Fleet and the Novorossiysk Shipping Company (Novoship) which primarily operated tankers and bulk carriers around the world.

There are two cement factories and other important economic activities include ship repair, food processing, production of tractor components, garments and wines. Some of Russia's best 'Champagne' wine is produced from local vines in the nearby village of Abrau-Dyurso.

Plymouth has had informal links with Novorossiysk since the late 1940's. The agreement to Twin was completed in Novorossiysk in 1990.