Alexey Likhachev emphasized the magnitude of the challenges associated with the NSR development, which are to be taken on in the coming years: “First of all, we need to ensure that there is cargo flow on the NSR. The volume of cargo has already amounted to tens of millions of tons with last year’s record nearly 38 million tons. Our northern deposits developers tell us to be prepared for hundreds of millions of tons. The sanctions are a great burden, indeed, affecting not only the area of technological equipment but also transportation, funding, and long-term contracts for the sale of resources extracted in the Arctic region. We are aware of this and we will act in accordance with the scenario. Now, as per the scenario, we need 11 icebreakers, which we already have (including eight nuclear icebreakers). We must move on to the next stage and plan 100 and 150 million tons and 15 to 17 icebreakers instead of 10 or 11. Therefore, we must construct them”.

He also stressed the significance of international cooperation. “An icebreaker does not transport cargo, so we need a cargo fleet. I understand that we do not have enough capacity to meet the demand for cargo vessels in advance, and this is where international cooperation is necessary. We have a very good understanding of business on the international market. Now we are having discussions with several countries that are experts in shipbuilding. First of all, we need to develop a strategy for increasing capacity at our shipyards, but we also need international cooperation tools,” stated Alexey Likhachev.

“It is essential that the costs of icebreaker escorts and cargo transit, cargo services are within the economic framework of the Arctic projects,” In this context, it is important to recognize that given the challenging northern environment and the lengthy project timeline, turning these projects into purely commercial initiatives considering modern lending policies – meaning interest rates – would effectively halt their progress,” said Alexey Likhachev. He also suggested switching to 30-year planning for the NSR, noting that a comprehensive plan for the route development must be long-term. 

Vladimir Panov, Rosatom’s Special Representative for the Arctic Development, emphasized that Russia’s collaboration with China and India on the Northern Sea Route has reached a systematic level. “Last year, international cooperation on the NSR experienced a transformative shift. Under the instructions of the President of the Russian Federation and with the support of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs at the highest level, intergovernmental partnership forms were established with the People’s Republic of China and the Republic of India. This is systematic work which we continue doing this year,” said Vladimir Panov. He also added that regular container shipments between China and Russia via the NSR started two years ago, and the number of voyages has never stopped increasing.

Tatyana Terentyeva, Deputy Director General of Human Resources at Rosatom, participated in the discussion. “We think of the Arctic is a region with boundless opportunities and a platform for the realization of groundbreaking and unique projects. These include SMR-based NPPs, upgraded floating power units for the Baimsky Mining and Processing Plant, the world’s only floating NPP in Pevek, and, of course, the Northern Sea Route. Our Arctic companies currently employ around 10,000 people. With the expansion of our operations, primarily after the launch of the Kola NPP-2 and the construction of three new power plants, we are going to create 10,000 jobs more by 2035. To achieve these objectives, we are developing our cooperation with specialized educational institutions and vocational training organizations in the area, including within the «Professionalitet» project. We interact with young talented people – we offer career advice to schoolchildren and run educational programs, support youth initiatives,” she told the participants.

“The population of Polyarnye Zori is projected to grow by 60% during to the construction of the Kola NPP-2. At the peak, during the construction of the new power units, the workforce may reach up to 9,000. Meanwhile, the population of the satellite city of Polyarny Zori is approximately 14,000. Rosatom has included the potential influx of migrants in its master plan for this Arctic city. The main feature of our approach to contributing to the working out of such strategic development documents is the harmonization of economic, industrial, and urban planning. It is crucial that these components are synchronized. It is impossible to plan a decade-long construction project that involves 9,000 new employees without thinking in advance about where they will live, what their families will do or where their children will study, etc.,” pointed out Marina Kirdakova.

“There are three «nuclear» cities in the Arctic: Polyarnye Zori in Murmansk Oblast, Pevek and Bilibino in the Chukotka Autonomous Okrug. These are pilot cities for the new industry program “Hospitable Cities of Rosatom”, which aims to develop leisure and tourism infrastructure in “nuclear” cities. Rosatom is actively working towards improving the quality of life in the cities where it operates. The company is actively involved in developing healthcare, education, and community initiatives. In the past year, we also included leisure, hospitality, and support for local businesses in the area of our efforts. Along with their unique industrial facilities and cutting-edge technology, “nuclear” cities boasts their cultural and historical delights, as well as breathtaking natural beauty. We seek to make these cities appealing places to live and visit. We also show them to young professionals from various fields so that they come, fall in love with, and stay in our cities,” said Anna Zhigulskaya.