Northern Sea Route and Icebreaking Technology

Abstract : The Northern Sea Route (NSR) follows the Eurasian coastline between the Atlantic and Pacific oceans. The USSR developed a marine transportation infrastructure along their northern coastline that includes a fleet of the world's most powerful icebreakers and ice-strengthened cargo ships, port facilities, and navigation, communication, and environmental forecasting aids. In 1987, the USSR announced it would open the NSR to foreign vessels for peaceful and commercial purposes. Navigational difficulties are considerable, due to bitter weather conditions, the short daylight season, iceinfested waters, and isolation. However, shorter distances between north Pacific and European ports, an existing cargo base, a currently underutilized transportation infrastructure, potential stimulation and strengthening of the Russian economy, and the prospect for economic benefits from international investment in Russia make the NSR attractive. The challenging physical environment requires advances in ship design and ship operations. Modern polar ships are larger, stronger, and more powerful, their propulsion systems have been improved, and the resistance encountered during icebreaking has been reduced. The existing shallow-draft northern fleet may be undesirable for use where larger ships can move cargo more efficiently. More northerly route options would enable larger and perhaps more efficient ship passage but would also require greater icebreaking capabilities; however, it win be difficult to attract greater foreign interest unless the navigation season can be extended.