More and more ships are attempting to sail without the help of an icebreaker in the tough climatic conditions of Russia’s Northern Sea Route. The Russian Ministry of Natural Resources wants more ships to sail independently, an for that better weather forecasts are important.
The Russian state meteorology service Roshydromet is now cooperating with shipping companies, to provide guidance on ice and weather conditions, for vessels to transit icy waters.
In order for this to happen, better weather forecasts are crucial. Namely, LNG carriers operating in the Sabetta terminal need short-term weather prognosis and more satellite monitoring, as well as an expanded network of meteorology stations.
However, significant steps have already been made. 2017 was a milestone year for Arctic shipping, as 9,737 million tons of goods was shipped to and from ports on the Northern Sea Route.
Other very important records were set as well. Namely, “Eduard Toll’s” journey is the first time a shipping vessel made independent passage in the Northern Sea, without the support of an ice breaker.
