Problems of cargo traffic of the northern sea route and methods of their solution

Abstract

The paper examines the main issues that define the current state and prospects of the development of freight traffic along the Northern Sea Route (NSR). Mainly export and transit orientation of the Arctic communications and the relationship between the dynamics of global markets of hydrogen mineral resources and the development of the system of sea cargo traffic was revealed. Particular attention is paid to the possibility of regulation of transport systems, the development of international cooperation, including the attraction of new marine technologies and techniques. A separate expert study of problems determining the development and regulation of the Northern Sea Route in the long term strategic perspective was made. All this determines the relevance and the need for a thorough study of the problems related to the functioning and the development of the freight traffic of the Northern Sea Route. The priority directions of the state policy in the Arctic can be thought as the strengthening of international cooperation in maritime activities and the development of new marine technologies and techniques. However, such cooperation should focus on import substitution and the gradual increase in the share of domestic producers in the implementation of projects. The priority in the development of external relations can be ascribed also to the protection of the marine environment. The increasing “pressure” of international environmental organizations in the Arctic, increased requirements for the functioning of the marine sector lead to restrictions in the implementation of the maritime policy, and strengthening of the action of environmental factors of competition, including in technical and technological sphere. The rising instability of global energy markets, as well as Western sanctions against Russia significantly reduced the real investment in the development of the Arctic shelf, and made projections for such processes poorly predictable. However, there are no doubts that the vector of Russian exports of hydrocarbons will be mainly shift to the Asian and Pacific market. In this respect the necessity of the reorientation of not only extracting complexes but also transport and logistic centers arises. The main export flows after 2020 will include liquefied natural gas and the most important means of transport the Arctic sea lanes. The basic mechanism of their regulation is the maritime policy. The Maritime Policy refers to the activities of the state to protect national interests in their respective waters. These activities include a set of measures that combine all the necessary resources and the administrative impact needed to achieve the goal. Important elements of the planned stages of maritime policy are the mission, vision, strategy (doctrine), programs, etc.