Efforts to create the Trans-Arctic Transport Corridor (TTC) will help “stitch together” the entire territory of Russia and create new conditions for its economic development. This was stated by Yury Trutnev, Deputy Prime Minister – Presidential Plenipotentiary Envoy to the Far Eastern Federal District, at a meeting on the integrated development of the Arctic and the Trans-Arctic Transport Corridor, according to the press service of the Ministry for the Development of the Russian Far East and Arctic.

“The key section of the transport corridor is the Northern Sea Route. We have repeatedly stated that the Northern Sea Route can and should become a vital transport artery connecting Europe and Asia. <…> In fact, the Northern Sea Route is currently not used to transport cargo originating in the continental part of our country. In order to bring cargo to the Northern Sea Route, we need to build railways, carry out dredging operations, and, most importantly, understand the economics and define the cargo base: what exactly we can transport and what advantages these shipments will bring to the national economy,” Yury Trutnev emphasized.

According to Alexei Chekunkov, Minister for the Development of the Russian Far East and Arctic, the Trans-Arctic Transport Corridor and its key component – the Northern Sea Route – also represent a natural transport artery for the shipment of raw materials extracted in the Arctic and for manufactured goods.

“The formation and development of the transport corridor is closely linked to the achievement of Russia’s national interests in the Arctic. It includes the development of mineral resource centers, technological and industrial advancement, the strengthening of national security, and the improvement of quality of life and well-being for the population,” he stressed.

According to Murmansk Region Governor Andrei Chibis, on order to preserve its leading positions in the Arctic, Russia needs a significant increase in cargo traffic after 2035. In addition, the region needs to expand geological exploration and establish new raw material centers and production facilities. Equally important is ensuring year-round navigation along the Northern Sea Route, which is a key section of the Trans-Arctic Transport Corridor.

“The work to develop the Trans-Arctic Transport Corridor is large and critically important for our country. It requires us to move beyond the current framework, look to the future, and carry out this task in full,” Yury Trutnev concluded following the meeting results.