The Northern Sea Route: Is There Any Chance to Become the International Transport Corridor?

Abstract

The paper analyzes the potential of the Northern Sea Route as the international transport corridor. The Northern Sea Route is the shortest waterway between Northern Europe and Southeast Asia. The role of maritime transportation in international trade has been analyzed. The dynamics of changes in the global volume of service export involving maritime transportation demonstrates a positive trend. Based on the analysis of the characteristics of international transport corridors and requirements of participants of international goods distribution applicable to them, the necessary terms and conditions that the international transport corridor must comply with have been formulated. They include: a long-distance international transportation line; types of transport that meet the requirements of international standards; availability of technical means of transport, information, and maintenance service, international legal instruments of transportation. The conclusion on the potential compliance of the Northern Sea Route with the requirements of the international transport corridor is based on the following: The Northern Sea Route meets the requirements of a long-distance transportation line; it is connected with railway transport systems and this connection is being developed; an icebreaking fleet and port infrastructure are being developed; technical means to ensure security are being created and modernized...