On July 8, the crew of the
universal nuclear icebreaker Yakutia, a subsidiary of FSUE Atomflot (a
subsidiary of Rosatom), escorted the first convoy of ships to the Port of Pevek
this summer-fall navigation season. Two cargo vessels delivered socially important
goods, construction equipment, and containers to Chukotka.
Travelling from west to east, the convoy covered 1,700 nautical miles in 12 days. One of the most challenging sections of the route was the eastern part of the Kara Sea. In late June, north-westerly winds formed a vast area of heavy ice fields, as well as strong compression in some areas. Furthermore, ice fields in the East Siberian Sea above the New Siberian Islands blocked the traditional navigation route, requiring ship operators to significantly adjust the convoy's route: the nuclear-powered icebreaker led the vessels along a high-latitude route.
"It's important to us that the residents of Chukotka receive food and essential goods on time, and that construction workers receive equipment and materials. Unfavorable weather conditions forced adjustments to the route. However, the professionalism of the nuclear-powered icebreaker Yakutia's crew and close coordination with the Marine Operations Headquarters of the Federal State Budgetary Institution "GlavSevmorput" ensured the safe passage of the convoy," noted Yakov Antonov, General Director of FSUE Atomflot.
The Northern Sea Route (NSR) is
the shortest shipping route along the Arctic Ocean along the Arctic coast of
Russia, connecting Europe and Asia Pacific. It is a historically established
national transportation artery of Russia. The length of the Northern Sea Route
is about 5,600 km. Six major seaports are located along the NSR in the Arctic
zone of the Russian Federation: Sabetta, Dickson, Dudinka, Khatanga, Tiksi and
Pevek. The Arctic shortens the route from Asia to most European ports, compared
to traditional southern routes.
The Northern Delivery System is a
set of measures and financial mechanisms for the regular and uninterrupted
supply of cargo to territories within the Far North, as well as equivalent
areas with limited cargo delivery times.
In 2025, Rosatom was appointed the sole maritime operator for the Northern Delivery System.
