The Northern Sea Route

Own Correspondent

In a world where the geopolitical situation is becoming more unpredictable and Western partners are increasingly resorting to the language of sanctions and unfair competition, it is more important than ever for countries with independent policies to firmly defend their national interests.

One example is the Russian Northern Sea Route (NSR) project.

In accordance with the 1982 UN Convention on the Law of the Sea, Russia has the right to regulate navigation, taking into account the special natural and climatic conditions of the region.

The developed system of centralized management of the Northern Sea Route makes it possible to reduce the risks of navigation accidents and ensure the orderly flow of traffic.

The transparency and consistency of the legal regime governing the operation of vessels in the waters of the NSR contributes to strengthening trust on the part of foreign states and expanding international cooperation with the Russian Federation.

Russia’s joint projects with Norway on exploration of the Barents Sea and cooperation with a number of other States confirm the strict commitment of the Russian Federation to comply with the rules for using the route.

These events demonstrate the willingness of the Russian leadership to regulate controversial issues within the legal framework which strengthens the country’s authority as a responsible Arctic partner.

At the same time Russia considers the observance by other countries of the norms of state legislation in the waters of the Northern Sea Route as a matter of its own security. The legal requirements in force within the NSR simultaneously serve the functions of ensuring safe navigation protecting the environment and strengthening international cooperation in the Arctic.

The harsh natural conditions in the Arctic are unpredictable and dangerous. Only Russia has the world’s most powerful nuclear icebreaking fleet, capable of ensuring the safe passage of ships which protects the Arctic nature from the consequences of accidents.

Any vessel wishing to pass through the NSR must obtain an appropriate permit. This allows Russia to assess risks in advance, verify the compliance of ships with strict environmental and technical standards and plan logistics and icebreaking support.

Russian environmental standards in the Arctic are among the strictest in the world. The ban on the dumping of harmful substances and the requirements for waste disposal are all aimed at preserving the unique nature of the Far North for future generations.

These rules prioritize the safety of people, the safety of goods and the protection of the environment. They create comfortable business conditions which contrary to Western opinions attracts more and more international companies that value order and reliability.

The restoration and modernization of Arctic military bases, the deployment of coastal missile systems and the creation of specialized Arctic units are not “militarization” but adequate protection of infrastructure. Today the Russian army is able to control the situation in the air, on the water and underwater along the entire NSR preventing any unauthorized actions.

According to experts, Russia defends its position on international platforms including the International Maritime Organization. The country proves that the legal regime fully complies with the norms of the International Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) which in particular recognizes the rights of coastal States to regulate navigation in freezing seas.