Cargo traffic on Northern Sea Route can grow to 160 million tonnes by 2035 – Aleksandr Krutikov

Cargo traffic on the Northern Sea Route will grow with intensive development of mineral resource centers. It can increase to 120 million tonnes by 2030 and to 160 million tonnes by 2035, IAA PortNews correspondent cites Aleksandr Krutikov, Deputy Minister for the Development of the Russian Far East and Arctic as saying at the plenary session of the IX international forum “Arctic: Today and the future”.

“Taking into consideration the decisions made this year I have no doubt about achieving the target of 80 million tonnes in 2024. Moreover, by 2030 it can grow to 120 million tonnes and by 2035 to 160 million tonnes”, he said.

According to speaker, the bulk of cargo flows on the Northern Sea Route in the nearest decade will be formed by Russian consignors. “Yet, satisfaction of their demand for icebreakers, safety and communication will create a base for year-round operation of ships at commercial speed”, he emphasized.

Aleksandr Krutikov said that the Ministry for the Development of the Russian Far East and Arctic sets itself a task to make the Northern Sea Route a “global, competitive transport corridor” and to start building up the share of international shipping from 2030.