The regional authorities in Arkhangelsk Oblast believe that Arkhangelsk is best suited to become center for the Northern Sea Route, and plans to raise the issue under a meeting in the Maritime Panel.
According to the authorities, making Arkhangelsk center for the Northern Sea route has many advantages, Rosbalt.ru reports. Arkhangelsk is base for four fifths of the Arctic expedition fleet, regional administrations of meteorological and hydrographic services and Arctic aviation. Four fifths of all coastwise cargo to the Arctic regions goes through the port of Arkhangelsk.
Governor of Arkhangelsk Oblast Ilya Mikhalchuk plans to raise the issue at a meeting the Maritime Panel is having in Arkhangelsk June 19. Deputy Prime Minister and Head of the Maritime Panel Sergey Ivanov, Minister of Transport Igor Levitin, Head of the Russian Navy Vladimir Vystosky and leader of the Russian Border Services Agency Dmitry Bezdelov are all expected to take part in the meeting.