The Northern Sea Route and Operation of Icebreaking Cargo Ships

For moving cargo between the North Pacific region and Northern European ports, the Northern Sea Route, along Russia's coastline, is 35-60％ shorter than the traditionally used routes through the Suez or Panama Canals. in addition to its shorter distance, there exist extensive ports und shipping infrastructure, and the potential for developing new markets in Russia and other northern countries including Korea and Japan. These incentives attracted considerable attention from the international shipping and shipbuilding industries and have formed a cooperative international research program, called as the International Northern Sea Route Programme (INSROP) This paper is a general compilation of the historical usage, recent trade developments, the physical environment, and the practical considerations that may shape future operational mode of shipping in the NSR based on results from INSROP reports. This study focuses mainly on an operation of commercial icebreaking cargo vessels that may be utilized along the NSR.

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