Russia To Begin Year-Round Arctic Northern Sea Route Shipping in Early 2027

Russia expects to begin regular year-round eastbound shipping along the Northern Sea Route in early 2027, as additional nuclear icebreaker capacity, newer ice-class LNG carriers and pressure to redirect energy exports toward Asia bring the long-delayed ambition closer to reality.

Vladimir Panov, head of the Arctic Directorate at state nuclear corporation Rosatom, said that preparations for regular winter voyages were in their final stages. The planned start will coincide with one of Russia’s largest shippers beginning regular eastbound deliveries, he said, without identifying the company.

Panov pointed to Novatek’s substantial LNG shipments along the route, as well as the start of oil exports from Rosneft’s Vostok Oil project. Six voyages carrying Vostok Oil cargoes have already been completed, he said.

“[The Northern Sea Route] is one step away from regular shipments in the eastern direction, that is, one step away from year-round navigation,” Panov said, adding that Rosatom expects the transition to take place in early 2027.

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