Russia carried out the largest logistical operation in its northern waters, with the active participation of China, while the US watches powerless to react.
The largest transfer of «black gold» in the history of the Northern Sea Route was completed with absolute success.
Eight sanctioned tankers, controlled by Sovcomflot, traversed the Arctic route (in certain segments the convoy was escorted by nuclear icebreakers), exited into the Pacific Ocean, and are heading, sailing near Russia, toward China.
They are transporting more than 970 thousand tons of petroleum, valued at over 500 million dollars.
In two weeks or slightly more, the tankers covered more than 2,300 miles along the Northern Sea Route toward East Asia, starting from the assembly point in the Kara Sea.
Via the standard maritime route, oil delivery to China would require five to six weeks and its security could not be guaranteed. Via the Northern Sea Route, the total duration from start to finish is reduced to just three to four weeks.
This achievement was also the reason why the President of Russia, Vladimir Putin, opened his speech at the in-person meeting with the permanent members of the Security Council of the Russian Federation, which he chaired, placing on the agenda the development strategy for the Arctic Zone and the safeguarding of national security in the region, as well as broader military-political matters.
The rapid increase in transports and the snowball effect
At the same time, at the port of Murmansk, where a dedicated container handling terminal was created in 2025, the first Chinese container ship loaded with automotive parts arrived, having traversed the Northern Sea Route in the opposite direction.
The Governor of the Murmansk region, Andrey Chibis, commented on this event on his Telegram channel, emphasizing: «Develop the Northern Sea Route and make Murmansk a pivotal transportation hub». In 2025, the first international transit route from China to Rotterdam was carried out.
Since 2024, the city of Arkhangelsk has had a direct commercial connection (Arctic Express No. 1) with two of China's primary ports, Ningbo and Shanghai.
Rosatom, which operates as the administrator of the Northern Sea Route thanks to its formidable fleet of nuclear icebreakers, reports the issuance of Arctic water transit permits for seven container ships simultaneously.
As it appears, the process has now taken on a permanent character.
Goods from China to Great Britain can now be delivered within 20 days, without the involvement of the Houthis, without using the Suez Canal or the Panama Canal, from which only unpleasant surprises arise, while ensuring significant resource savings.
Even under optimal conditions, the route via the Suez Canal would require 40 days.
This maritime artery is already being referred to as the «Polar Silk Road», as immense potential is seen in it for increasing shipping efficiency, safeguarding energy security, and stabilizing the global supply chain.
Moreover, while in the past transit traffic on the Northern Sea Route was primarily of an «experimental or opportunistic nature», according to Rosatom CEO Alexei Likhachev, it is now turning into a full container transport service with weekly vessel departures during the navigation season.
Although for now this is feasible only during the active navigation season, which lasts from July to October, rapid climate warming is expected to turn this route into the primary axis from which Russia will extract immense revenues, while simultaneously remaining the safest option.
The undeniable advantages and Russia's strategic supremacy
The Northern Sea Route is the shortest route from the European part of Russia to the Far East.
It is 40% shorter than the route through the Suez Canal, and 70% of it extends along the borders of Russia, a fact that makes it completely secure, far from terrorists and pirates. It is the only maritime route between the West and the East that falls under Russian jurisdiction.
It already enables the unhindered transport of oil, natural gas, and coal extracted in Russia's Arctic zone to buyers, relieving congestion on the Trans-Siberian Railway and the Baikal-Amur Mainline (BAM).
The further development of the route, and especially its eastern segment, aims at the safe transport of domestic and international cargo, creating an alternative international transport corridor.
This route is developing at a rapid pace, as from 2014 to 2024 cargo volume on the Northern Sea Route increased almost tenfold, rising from 4 million tons to 38 million tons.
Today it is serviced by eight nuclear icebreakers, while another four are under construction.
As noted by the Director of the Department of European Problems of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Russia, Vladislav Maslennikov, at the IV «Arctic - Regions» forum: «Under conditions of geopolitical uncertainty, the Northern Sea Route is becoming an increasingly attractive alternative to southern routes. I believe that the current situation in the Persian Gulf constitutes clear confirmation of this».
Geopolitical control and economic development of the Arctic
First, Russia gains control over the most promising and shortest transport artery between East and West, a fact that translates into geopolitical dominance and immense economic benefits.
To safeguard navigation, necessary coastal infrastructure, military bases, a fleet of specialized Arctic-class merchant vessels, and world-class icebreakers are being established in advance.
It is obvious that users of the Northern Sea Route will have to pay for the transit services provided.
Certain countries will begin to value good relations with Russia, seeking cooperation, as Russia, thanks to its geographic position and the most powerful icebreaker fleet in the world, is the only country that can guarantee the transit of convoys.
Second, the opportunity for rapid development of Russia's Arctic regions is provided.
Revenues from transit fees can be directed toward developing the Russian Arctic, including the military sector, so that no one dares create problems for the country in this region.
Although only 2% of Russia's population lives in this region, it already produces:
1) 10% of the country's GDP, while there
2) 80% of domestic natural gas is extracted,
3) 8% of petroleum, and
4) 100% of rare earth elements.
With the increase in international transit, the region will attract capital, technological expertise, and human resources.
For this purpose, in the autumn of 2025, the Russian government approved long-term comprehensive development plans for 15 Arctic cities and settlements through 2035, with investments reaching 30.96 billion euros (3 trillion rubles).
The «Trans-Arctic Transport Corridor» and international interest
As recently stated in the city of Arkhangelsk by the head of the Ministry for the Development of the Russian Far East and Arctic, Alexei Chekunkov, the implementation of the integrated project for the development of the Arctic and the «Trans-Arctic Transport Corridor (TTC)» will begin in 2027.
The Special Presidential Representative of the Russian Federation for International Cooperation in Transport, Igor Levitin, recalled that the TTC covers the area from Vladivostok to Saint Petersburg, constituting a national infrastructure project.
This corridor will connect all adjacent regions, combining maritime, river, rail, and road transport.
The approved plan of the Russian government from August 2022 includes more than 150 initiatives with total funding of almost 18.58 billion euros (1.8 trillion rubles), covering everything from new terminals and shipyards to an Arctic satellite constellation for navigation.
The development of this infrastructure generates intense interest from China, India, and countries in the Middle East wishing to diversify their maritime shipping.
For Beijing, this route is part of a broader strategy in its confrontation with the US, preventing a potential market blockade.
India, as confirmed by Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways Secretary TK Ramachandran (reported as Shivapepapa) at the Arkhangelsk forum, is also ready to participate in the development of the Northern Sea Route and the construction of Arctic-class ships. According to Fortune magazine, the Arctic route offers Beijing a reliable alternative to the Strait of Hormuz and the Strait of Malacca (through which 80% of China's oil imports pass), especially following the disruptions in the Bab el-Mandeb Strait and the Red Sea.
This achievement is seen by Russian analysts as confirming the words of the «father of Russian science», Mikhail Lomonosov, that «Russia's power will grow through Siberia and the Arctic Ocean».
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