MIKHAILOVICH AS MANAGER-IN-CHIEF OF MERCHANT SHIPPING AND PORTS

Zuev Andrey Vyacheslavovich

Grand Duke Alexander Mikhailovich played a significant role in the development of domestic shipping and the port infrastructure of the country. On his initiative, on November 7, 1902, a government department was created to which was entrusted the management of merchant shipping and coastal commercial ports both from the point of view of the needs and benefits of trade and industry, and in technical terms. Under normal conditions, the Main Directorate of Merchant Shipping and Ports functioned only during 1903. Both the war and the revolution left their mark on all aspects of public life in the country, significantly complicating the work of government departments. The confrontation between Grand Duke Alexander Mikhailovich and S. Yu. Witte continued, as a result of which many of his initiatives were blocked. On October 20, 1905, Grand Duke Alexander Mikhailovich resigned from the post of Chief Manager of Merchant Shipping and Ports. Under his leadership, the Main Directorate of Merchant Shipping and Ports developed and approved numerous rules, instructions, regulations and other regulatory documents concerning the management of domestic merchant shipping and ports, including the country's maritime educational institutions.

Keywords:Grand Duke Alexander Mikhailovich, Main Directorate of Merchant Shipping and Ports, merchant fleet, merchant shipping, seaports, shipping enterprises; ship's crew, maritime educational institutions