The development of the Trans-Arctic Transport Corridor that runs from St.Petersburg to Vladivostok is a particularly significant topic both for Russia and the whole Eurasian continent, noted Vladimir Putin in the course of the plenary session of the Eastern Economic Forum (EEF).

“We see that interest in this route is growing, both from Russian companies operating in the Arctic and from foreign carriers. And this is not just about individual, one-off shipments, but about forming a stable cargo base,” said the President in his remarks.

He also emphasized that “we need to operate on a larger scale” and that this artery must function as part of a complex system with all the territories adjoining the Northern Sea Route and their capacities.

“This is a comprehensive system that should integrate maritime, rail and road transport. It will allow us to use the potential of our largest rivers, such as the Ob, Yenisei, and Lena,” underscored Vladimir Putin. 

He added that our task is not only to establish sea routes in the Arctic, there is also work, onshore: developing communications and navigation, ship servicing systems, as well as emergency and rescue infrastructure.

The President stressed that the Trans-Arctic Transport Corridor must operate in the interests of the domestic economy and our regions of the Far East, Siberia, and the Arctic, taking into account cooperation between them and opening new opportunities for business, which would give two potentially significant fields of development.

“They are the creation of modern shipbuilding centers. They should be capable of producing the full range of vessels needed for the route, from tugs and supply ships to bulk carriers and ice-class gas carriers, as well as ultra-powerful icebreakers. Second, to increase the efficiency and resilience of the Trans-Arctic Corridor, we need to provide direct access for cargo from Siberia and the Urals to Arctic maritime routes,” he underlined.

The President has instructed the Government to draft proposals on this issue.