Transit flow at the Northern Sea Route is expected to reach 1.17 mln t in 2013, which is about 2.5% less than in 2012, IAA PortNews journalist cites Aleksandr Olshevsky, head of NSR Administration, as saying at the 2nd International Conference “Northern Sea Route” in Saint-Petersburg.
According to him, there is a competition with the North West Passage (Canada) which has commenced transit navigation. Besides, decreased shipments from port Vitino and more severe ice situation also resulted in reduction of cargo flows along the Northern Sea Route.
Earlier, media cited Atomflot, according to which NSR transit flow has already exceeded the results of the previous year having achieved 1.26 mln t of cargo by the end of October 2013.
However, Aleksandr Olshevsky says only 1.59 mln t of cargo were carried along the Northern Sea Route as of beginning of November 1.59.
The arrangement of navigation within the water area of the Northern Sea Route is attached to NSR Administration. The Decree of RF Government on establishment of a federal state-owned enterprise NSR Administration was signed on March 15, 2013. The major tasks of the Administration’s activities are to arrange navigation of vessels in the water area of the Northern Sea Route, ensuring safe navigation and protection of marine environment from ship-related pollution in the water area of the Northern Sea Route.
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