At the Eastern Economic Forum 2026, Rosatom representatives took part in a session dedicated to international cooperation in the Arctic.
Moscow: At the session “International Cooperation in the Arctic: From Strategic Dialogue to Joint Projects” at the Eastern Economic Forum, Vladimir Panov, Director for the Development of the Northern Sea Route (NSR) and the Arctic and Director of the Arctic Directorate of the Rosatom State Corporation, presented a strategic vision for the development of the Northern Sea Route in today’s reality. Emphasizing the Arctic route’s competitive advantages for international shipping, he noted the route’s geographic and geopolitical stability.
” Predictability is critical for any business, and the events of the last year have brought security to the forefront. The NSR route runs along the borders of just six countries, and the fact that Russia is responsible for security along 70% of its length creates a unique competitive advantage ,” said Vladimir Panov.
The effectiveness of the system built by Rosatom State Corporation is confirmed by real economic indicators: container shipments along the NSR increased 2.5-fold last year, and another significant increase is predicted for this year. Following their Chinese partners, who have upgraded their pilot routes to regular service, South Korea is already operating its own pilot route, and India will join the route next year. To consolidate this success, Rosatom is moving to the next strategic stage: concluding long-term contracts with shipping companies, for which balanced financial and economic models are already being developed.
Alongside logistics, technological and infrastructure projects are being actively implemented. A joint venture with the Chinese company New New Shipping Line is underway to develop the world’s first high-ice-class container ships. These could be the first vessels of their kind to be built.
In conclusion, Vladimir Panov noted the Arctic’s high potential as a space for developing both individual initiatives and implementing projects jointly with international partners. ” The Arctic Council was formed on a geographical basis. And the new international format, for which all the necessary conditions have been created, based on pragmatism and economics, creates the preconditions for the emergence of a new international organization ,” he said.
