President Vladimir Putin supports LNG as marine fuel in the Arctic

The proposal of President of the Republic of Finland Sauli Niinistö to use LNG as fuel in the Arctic “is absolutely correct” Russian President Vladimir Putin said at his joint press conference with Finland’s President, the Kremlin press office said.

"Perhaps, prohibiting black carbon, soot would be first and easiest step. And now certain measures are being taken. For example, the measures are being taken in the Kola Peninsula to switch from fuel that is more harmful to environment to less harmful fuels when using thermal power stations... And the second measure is the transition of shipping in the Arctic to liquefied natural gas as marine fuel instead of fuel oil and other heavier ones," Finland’s President said offering the issue for consideration at the future Arctic Summit.

"Mr. President (Sauli Niinistö) has just said about the need to switch to more environmentally friendly fuels in the Arctic, and this is absolutely the right offer," Vladimir Putin was quoted as saying.

The Russian president also noted that during the Arctic Summit it is necessary to discuss issues related to ensuring the safety of navigation in these latitudes, organizing rescue response, including in the emergencies that could hurt the environment. In addition, he said, it would be very useful to discuss the possibilities of joint work on the conservation of fauna, wildlife, in particular, the population of polar bears. Also, Vladimir Putin believes that scientists from all countries of the Arctic region could pool their efforts in organizing various kinds of research in the Arctic, which require government support.