Russian media has reported that the Cape size bulk carrier, “GINGO,” has achieved a historic feat by becoming the first Cape size vessel to sail the Northern Sea Route (NSR). In another groundbreaking development, for the first time, a non-ice strengthened tanker is also making a journey through the NSR.
The voyage of the GINGO began in Murmansk, Russia, destined for China, carrying an impressive cargo load of 164,600 metric tons of iron ore concentrate. This marks the largest cargo ever transported via the Northern Sea Route. The journey was successfully completed with the assistance of two Atomflot icebreakers.
In another significant development, Russia has dispatched the non-ice class Aframax tanker, the “LEONID LOZA,” on a voyage through the NSR, from Murmansk, Russia, to Ningbo, China. This is a historic journey as, for the first time, a non-ice class tanker has traversed the NSR
Due to milder winters and extended navigation seasons, ship traffic along the Russian-controlled section of the Northern Sea Route has seen a substantial increase. The Russian Minister for Development of the Far East and Arctic has reported a significant rise in cargo shipment through NSR, from 4 million tons in 2014 to 34 million tons in 2022. The NSR now serves as a crucial transportation route for oil, LNG, mineral fertilizers, metals, and various other products. Russia is actively working towards enabling year-round navigation through the NSR, intending to increase the transport volume to 100 million tons by 2026 and 200 million tons by 2030.
