Russia’s Northern Sea Route is completely ice-free and shipping thrives

Photo: Sovcomflot

 

Large numbers of ships exploit new route between Europe and Asia

Data from Russia’s Arctic and Antarctic Research Institute shows that the country’s entire Northern Sea Route now is ice-free, according to a report in the Independent Barents Observer.

Russia’s Arctic Dreams Have Chinese Characteristics

The most significant geophysical event on our planet since the end of the ice age is taking place today—the opening of the Arctic. As the High North maritime environment warms, the Arctic Ocean’s abundant energy, minerals, fish stocks, and other natural resources are becoming increasingly accessible, while new potential maritime routes promise to reduce shipping times and costs and accelerate ties between major commercial centers. These new opportunities for energy development, natural resources extraction, and shipping suggest that the region risks becoming an arena of intense competition, tension, and potentially even confrontation, not only between the United States and its two near-peer strategic competitors—China and Russia—but also among other Asia-Pacific states with observer status in the Arctic Council.

WW3 Just 300 Miles Off US Mainland? Russian Growler On Alert In The Arctic

 

World War 3 might not erupt in Syria, over South China Sea and even in Turkey, as what many believe. The looming third world war may be brewing just 300 miles from the U.S. mainland. Russia has stationed two S-400 advanced Growler surface-to-air missile systems in six polar bases within the border of U.S. in the arctic.

An anonymous source from the Russian Armed Forces revealed that Russian S-400 growlers were deployed to the Novaya Zemlya archipelago and the port of Tiksi in the Arctic Ocean. The growlers stationed at the Wrangle Island and Cape Schmidt in Chukotka are put on war alert round the clock, the source told TASS. These bases mentioned were just within 300 miles from the U.S. mainland.

Russia deployed two S-400 air defense missile regiments in Arctic in 2015 — General Staff

“Two S-400 regiments have been activated and deployed to the Novaya Zemlya Archipelago and the city of Tiksi in Yakutia this year under the program on reinforcing the 2014-formed Arctic force, with the program dubbed Northern Fleet – Unified Strategic Command,” the officer told TASS during the 5th Arctic – Today and Tomorrow International Forum.

Five Chinese Navy Ships Are Operating in Bering Sea Off Alaska Coast

Chinese naval presence off Alaskan coast appears to be a first

Five Chinese navy ships are currently operating in the Bering Sea, off the coast of Alaska, the first time the U.S. military has seen such activity in the area, Pentagon officials said Wednesday.

The officials said they have been aware in recent days that three Chinese combat ships, a replenishment vessel and an amphibious ship were in the vicinity after observing them moving toward the Aleutian Islands, which are split between U.S. and Russian control.

The World’s Next Oil Shipping Corridor: The Arctic Ocean

It’s colder than the Persian Gulf, needs more icebreakers than the Suez Canal and passes less picturesque beaches than the Mediterranean, but the so-called Northern Sea route connecting Europe to Asia via the northern coast of Russia has its advantages.

Putin suggests creating unified system of naval bases in Russia’s Arctic

See also: Russia to Build Network of Modern Naval Bases in Arctic – Putin (RIA Novosti)

 

MOSCOW, April 22, 17:38 /ITAR-TASS/. Russian President Vladimir Putin has suggested creating a unified system of naval bases in Russia’s Arctic.

Speaking at a meeting of the Security Council on Tuesday Putin underscored the need for enhancing the reliability of protection of Russia’s Arctic borders.

“This should be done in various ways, including the reinforcement of the border guard forces’ naval group. Alongside, steps must be taken to enhance military infrastructure. In particular, the point at issue is creation of a unified system of bases for surface ships and new generation submarines in our sector of the Arctic ,” Putin said.

Russia reactivates military airfield in the Arctic Region after 20 years

Earlier in October, Putin stated strongly that Russia would never “surrender” its Arctic area. Indeed, Temp airfield located on Kotelny Island, the largest of Russian islands in Novosiberian region, is being reactivated.

The airfield has been operational beginning in 1949 then, 20 years ago, its activity was suspended, and the infrastructures preserved for future use. Since then, Russian policy towards Arctic has become more aggressive and one of the elements of that policy is to reinstate the aforementioned airfield for Russian Air Force planes.

Russia lays down world’s largest nuclear icebreaker

Construction of the world’s largest and most powerful nuclear-powered icebreaker has begun at the Baltic Shipyard in St. Petersburg.

The yet-unnamed vessel will be powered by two nuclear reactors, and it will be 173 meters long and 34 meters wide – 14 meters longer and 4 meters wider than the current largest icebreaker “50 let Pobedy”.