Shiploads on Russia’s North-West to Far East short sea trade soar more than 80% from 15%, official says

Fixed schedule of shipping through the Northern Sea Route contributes to increased demand from cargo owners

Capacity utilization of ships transporting different cargo on the short sea line between the north-west and the Far East of Russia increased from 15% to more than 80%, an official said.

“A shipload of the very first voyage from west to east was only 15% in 2022, but now it already exceeds 80%,” Alexey Chekunkov, head of the Ministry of Eastern Development said speaking at a meeting of Russian President Vladimir Putin with members of the government, October 25.

Alexey Chekunkov added that demand from shippers is growing. The presence of such a regular short sea line with a fixed schedule allows a wider range of companies to plan transportation on the Northern Sea Route, increasing its predictability and attractiveness.

“A regular coastal trade between the north-west of Russia and the Far East makes it possible to deliver cargo to 11 ports on the NSR route from St. Petersburg to Vladivostok,” the official commented.