The Northern Sea Route (NSR) has ceased to be an exotic route for other states; it is considered a reliable alternative to other sea routes. China, India, and Southeast Asian countries are showing interest in the Arctic route, stated Murmansk Region Governor Andrey Chibis on the sidelines of the SPIEF.
The route is 40% shorter than the traditional one through the Suez Canal, is entirely under Russian sovereignty, and is not dependent on regional conflicts.
He emphasized that the NSR is a strategically important sea route connecting all of Russia, including the Far East and Siberia. Meanwhile, China has been investing in Arctic logistics for over 10 years. The NSR saves time and reduces Beijing's dependence on southern corridors.
India is considering the NSR as a route for importing oil and fertilizers. Persian Gulf countries are also showing interest, looking for alternative ways to export their products.
Russia is forming an advanced fleet, ports, and transport and logistics hubs, Chibis added. The more reliable the infrastructure, the more cargo will be transported via the NSR, he concluded.
