The Northern Sea Route: will it be the route of the XXI centure?

THERE IS PLENTY OF WORK

Anatoly Yefremov,
Governor of Archangelsk region

         In our days, the development of the Northern Sea Route is especially important, for there have been new oil and gas fields discovered in the north, such as the Stockman field where gas reserves are estimated at 3.2 trillion cubic meters, or the Prirazlomnoye oil field in the sea with more than 100 million tons. Such fields have been discovered in the world for the first time. There is also a unique diamond field. It is well known that if 10 to 12 percent of diamonds are of gem-quality, the field is deemed to be very good. And we have 62 percent! Just imagine what rich resources we have. All that is needed Is to use them correctly.
         We have already started the Northern Gate program in order to ship oil and gas by sea. We are transforming the military industry that used to build nuclear-power vessels so that it will be able to build drilling platforms and ice-class tankers. The project of building underwater tankers is also attractive, and it has interested Japan. During my recent visit to that country, we discussed this problem with Japanese colleagues and we concluded that such underwater ships should be built and used in the Northern Sea Route. So there is plenty of work to be done.