Northern Sea Route: Formation of Russian Transport Policy in the Arctic

Abstract

This paper is aimed at a systematic analysis of the international dialogue in the Arctic as a new political space as well as at identifying problematic issues in Russian transport policy formation. The authors suggest considering the prospects for the development of the Northern sea route from two sides: from the point of view of international law and with the use of traditional mechanisms of state barriers and control. The prospects of development of international cargo transportation and the Northern sea route hereinafter — NSR) competitiveness in the near future are ambiguous. Of particular importance are the blocks of the problematic field of NSR development formed by the authors, which mainly concern infrastructure and its provision, as well as the introduction of the Northern sea route into the international shipping market with its tough competition, while NSR does not currently have the necessary quality and quantity of the necessary infrastructure. At the moment, the NSR infrastructure is underdeveloped as a region in the Russian Federation and requires a carefully designed development program, highly qualified employees and supervision of program provisions implementation that will ensure the exact implementation of all development stages. The systematic development of the Northern sea route in the long term will contribute to strengthening the position of Russia in the international arena, its economic growth, import and export of goods and services, as well as its international cooperation with other Arctic countries. The authors believe that the solution of problems with the logistics component is the primary task of the Arctic region development and ensuring the competitiveness of the Russian fleet.

The Electrification of Ships Using the Northern Sea Route: An Approach

“…Currently, infrastructure is not yet sufficiently developed along the Northern Sea Route to allow for the sustainable establishment of a trade route between Asia and Europe via the northern part of the Russian Federation [1]. However, there is an opportunity to make proposals in line with history, namely to support the development of this new seaway while reducing the environmental impact of its use.…”

“…Unlike the Soviet era, when the NSR was considered to allow the transport of large quantities of resources, with a view to increasing geopolitical and technical prestige, today the development of the NSR aims to develop international transit traffic by this northern route [1]. But not only that.…”

“…The development of traffic on the NSR also has a geopolitical dimension, influencing global international processes by changing trade routes. Travkina et al [1] think that five points are to be developed to facilitate the development of the NSR: the unification of the transport system by establishing fixed routes; the modernization and development of the Arctic fleet and port infrastructure; the provision of economic incentives; the increase in international freight transit; the modernization of container transport systems (loading, unloading, cargo storage in ports).…”

Efficiency of sorption-biological treatment of oil-polluted coastal areas in the Euro-Arctic region

“…The growth and expansion of infrastructure, industrial activities and resource exploitation can damage vulnerable ecosystems of the Arctic [3]. The development of the Northern Sea Route is also a negative factor for oil pollution in coastal areas of the Arctic seas [4,5].…”