Russia to ease customs procedure for transit ships passing via the NSR

Russia intends to introduce a simplified procedure for border and customs control for ships operating in Arctic shelf exploration program and passing along the Northern Sea Route without calling at the Russian and foreign ports.

According to the protocol of the meeting of the Marine Board of the Government of the Russian Federation, Russian Federal Security Service, Federal Customs Service of Russia with participation of the Russian Ministry of Transport, Ministry of Regional Development of Russia and other responsible federal executive bodies and institutions, the Russian Government tasked the executive authorities to prepare prior to March 1, 2011 proposals to establish a simplified procedure of border and customs control of vessels in the Arctic region.

In late August this year, the Sovcomflot’s tanker sailed through the Northern Sea Route, transporting a gas condensate cargo from the port of Murmansk to China. There have been several ships that followed the shipping lane, including a passenger ferry. Some shipping companies have submitted for the next year over 10 applications for icebreakers pilotage service on the NSR.