Arctic

Russia’s Arctic North Sea Route

Russia has developed new rules for the passage of all foreign ships, including warships and merchant vessels navigating through Russia’s Northern Sea Route (NSR). The need for such new “rules of the road” has arisen due to recent intensification of naval interest both military and commercial, and activities by various state players in the Arctic. According to Russia the purpose of these new rules are to maintain control over shipping, and the environment.

The new rules call for all ships and vessels from other countries to notify a Russian monitoring service 45 days before they plan navigating through the NSR. They must report the name of the ship, the route and the timing of navigation, name and military rank (if a warship) of the captain as well as the main parameters of the craft, such as displacement, draft and engine characteristics.

In addition, the regulations will oblige all foreign ships and vessels to take on board Russian pilots when navigating the NSR. This to handle any potential emergency or complication due to changeable ice situations, Russian icebreakers will also be available to provide assistance.