Over the last few weeks the number of vessels passing through the Northern Sea Route (NSR), connecting Europe and Asia, has increased significantly in comparison to the beginning of the year, Barents Observer writes.
According to the data provided by Rosatomflot, the summer season 2012 is in full swing along the Northern Sea Route, with a total of transported cargo amounting to 749,706 tons, which is close to last year’s record of 820,789 tons.
During the last two weeks 22 vessels have taken the route, 13 from the west to the east and nine in the opposite direction. The pioneers of this year’s summer season that took the NSR were tankers “Indigo” and “Varzuga” JSC “Murmansk Shipping Company” carrying a cargo of diesel fuel.
Navigating through the Arctic waters via the Northern Sea Route has become ever more prominent over the recent period since the route is said to reduce the voyage of shipping companied for almost 40 percent in comparison to the ones which includes passing through the Panama or Suez canals.
In July the average time spent on the Northern Sea Route, was 11 days, while in August it did not exceed 9 days with average speed of caravans in the latter equaling to 12 knots.
It is estimated that the sailing season will last for another 2 months.
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World Maritime News Staff, September 12, 2012; Image: Rosatomflot