PUBLISHED NOV 25, 2021 2:34 PM BY THE BARENTS OBSERVER

 

[By Atle Staalesen]

The quickly accumulating sea-ice on the Northern Sea Route is creating a potentially critical situation along Russia’s east Arctic coast. For several weeks, a number of ships have been trapped in thick sea-ice.

Several ships have also been waiting to sail into the area. For many days, the Tiksi, Yamal Ibris, I. Trubin, Polar King and Arshenevsky were located in the Kara Sea awaiting icebreaker assistance to their destinations. On board the ships was thousands of tons of equipment needed by local authorities and companies in the Chukotka region.

However, none of the ships will reach their destinations. In mid-November, they all turned back westwards and are now about to make it to Arkhangelsk where the cargo will be unloaded.

According to regional authorities in Chukotka a replacement will come in early January when nuclear-powered container ship Sevmorput will bring the cargo to destination.

Nuclear-powered container ship Sevmorput will help deliver goods to towns on east Arctic coast. Photo: Rosatomflot

 

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https://www.maritime-executive.com/editorials/sudden-freeze-up-disrupts-supply-chain-on-russia-s-northern-sea-route