Development of Transit Potential of the Northern Sea Route

• Main Author: M. N. Grigoryev
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: Ассоциация независимых экспертов «Центр изучения кризисного общества» (in English: Association for independent experts “Center for Crisis Society Studies”) 2021-07-01
• Series: Контуры глобальных трансформаций: политика, экономика, право
• Subjects: northern sea transport corridor; northern sea route; international transit; internal transit; container transportation; navigation restrictions; cargo base; ice breakers; prospects
• Online Access: https://www.ogt-journal.com/jour/article/view/813

The Article defines the sectoral structure of the Northern Sea transport corridor, the set of the transport tasks provided by them - the international transit, import and export operations, and considers internal transportation. It is shown that in relation to the water area of the sector of the Northern Sea Route, both international and internal transportation (big cabotage and intersectoral transportation) can be referred to as transit. Transit transportation across the Northern Sea Route between countries in 2010- 2018 has been analyzed. The Article also defines transit dynamics and commodity structure. Dynamics of transit transportation of main types of freights are considered: bulk freights (oil products, gas condensate), bulk cargoes (iron ore, coal). The dynamics of Russia’s internal transit transportation across the Northern Sea Route have been analyzed. The article also analyzes the dynamics of transportation of frozen fish, the possible transit of which may prompt the creation of a year-round container line between the ports of Petropavlovsk- Kamchatsky, Murmansk, Arkhangelsk, and St. Petersburg. The author summarizes the results of the development of transit transportations in 2010-2018 and identifies the factors defining the demand for transit shipments of various cargoes. The Article also provides an assessment of the development prospects of transit freight traffic by international shipping companies (Maersk). The conclusion is that supporting national investment projects should be a priority when improving navigation along the Northern Sea Route – transportation of mineral resources and supporting mining companies. At the same time, creating a steady transportation system for Arctic mineral resources calls for the development of icebreaking, navigation, and hydrometeorological support. This will reduce risks associated with Arctic navigation and increase the appeal of the Arctic sea transport system as a whole. The Article identifies the following necessary conditions for the development of navigation in the Northern Sea Route: expanding the domestic Arctic linear icebreaker fleet; cen tral planning of sea freight transportation and coordination of actions of participants, which could increase the appeal of the Northern Sea Route, including its role for transit.