Over the past days, Arkhangelsk has become a centre of attention, as the city hosted the Arctic-Regions forum and the trade port accepted the first Chinese cargo as part of the Arctic Express No. 1 project.

In the media, the latter was called a historic event for the city and the beginning of an entirely new stage in Arkhangelsk's relations with China. The vessel Xin Xin Hai 1 came to the city's port with a cargo of vehicle components and will return to Shanghai with lumber.

The Arctic Express No. 1, launched this July, serves as a fast transport corridor connecting China to the centre of Russia through the Northern Sea Route (NSR). The first part of the Express is done by sea—6,600 nautical miles between Arkhangelsk and Shanghai. Then, the cargo is transferred to the railway for the 1,200-kilometre (~745-mile) journey to Moscow.

The Express is very beneficial for the structure of the NSR’s supply, as Arkhangelsk's freight capacity is quite high, and the city effectively connects the route to the European part of Russia. In comparison, the distance from Murmansk to Moscow is around 1,940 kilometres (~1,205 miles), and the second biggest port (by capacity) in the NSR's structure, Sabetta, does not yet have a railway.

The prioritised export item through the Arctic Express is likely to be lumber.

Another interesting development was announced during the forum: the managing director of Glavsevmorput, Rosatom's company responsible for the development of the NSR, stated that several Chinese companies have approached Glavsevmorput with a request to use the NSR. In 2023, there was only one Chinese company.

It is also important to note that there is still a possibility of a soon year-round navigation on the NSR, which is scheduled to begin at the end of this year. In August, Rosatom will define the members of the project’s committee; in October, the company plans to hold the first meeting regarding this issue.

Year-round navigation will also focus on Arkhangelsk and is crucial for successfully reaching this decade's targets for the NSR's cargo turnover. Current projects might also introduce a more diverse trade in general cargo, expanding Russian exports to the East. As for the import, it seems rather technologically-oriented, the next vessel from China to Arkhangelsk is expected to bring ten thousand vehicles.

The Editorial Board of the Arctic Century

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