Russia and China to Double Cargo Traffic via Northern Sea Route

Russia and China plan to increase cargo traffic on the Northern Sea Route to twice its current level by 2030 at the latest, according to Rosatom Director General Alexey Likhachev, speaking during a visit to Beijing on Friday.

“Russia and China have ambitious plans to at least double total cargo traffic on the Northern Sea Route by 2030. However, I believe we will reach that figure much sooner,” Likhachev told journalists.

He said demand for shipping via the Northern Sea Route had increased in recent months amid disruptions affecting shipping lanes in the southern region.

Russia and China intend to exploit the potential of the Arctic route as navigation through previously ice-bound waters becomes easier.

Likhachev said the two countries plan to cooperate on projects to build Arctic-class vessels.

“We have major joint plans to develop the Arctic shipbuilding industry. This is a mutually beneficial area of cooperation, in which each party will gain from a new stage and a higher level of relations,” Likhachev said.

He stressed that Russia benefits from cooperation with Chinese companies in developing the potential of the Northern Sea Route.

Meanwhile, China gains access to “a new route that is safe, shorter and economically advantageous, with Rosatom providing full guarantees of support from its icebreaker fleet.”