MURMANSK PORT

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Context

India's increasing engagement with Russia's Arctic region, particularly focusing on the strengthening trade relationship and exploration of the Northern Sea Route (NSR).

Details

• India-bound goods comprise the largest share of cargo handled by Murmansk, Russia's main northern gateway.
• Murmansk port handled 8 million tonnes of cargo in the first seven months of 2023, with India accounting for 35%.
• Deputy Director of JSC Murmansk Sea Commercial Port mentioned that the majority is coal destined for India's eastern coast.
• Turkey and China also use Murmansk port, with Turkey accounting for 34% and China for 13% of cargo.

Involvement in the Northern Sea Route (NSR)

• NSR is the shortest route connecting Europe and Asia-Pacific, providing record supplies of energy resources for India.
• Rosatom State Nuclear Energy Corporation emphasizes the importance of the NSR for India's economy.
• The NSR includes icebound seas like Kara, Laptev, East Siberian, and Chukchi, necessitating icebreaking operations.
• FSUE Atomflot, a subsidiary of Rosatom, operates nuclear-powered icebreakers for safe navigation.

Comparison with Suez Canal and Route Efficiency

• NSR reduces the gap between Europe and Asia-Pacific countries, possibly as an alternative to the Suez Canal.
• Murmansk to Yokohama via NSR is 6,000 NM; the traditional route is 13,000 NM.
• Rosatom believes NSR's efficiency, safety, and nuclear-powered icebreakers can reduce the carbon footprint of maritime transport.
• NSR's cargo traffic increased from 3.87 million tonnes in 2012 to approximately 34 million tonnes in 2022.

India-Russia Sea-Corridor Proposal

• India and Russia consider a sea-corridor proposal linking Chennai and Vladivostok for transit container traffic.
• A transport and logistics hub in Vladivostok would reduce delivery time and increase route profitability.
• The corridor project could enhance trade between India, Far East countries, and boost cargo transportation between ports.
• Rosatom seeks Indian shipping company participation to develop transit container traffic along the NSR.

Utilizing Arctic Knowledge and Scientific Activity

• Rosatom encourages Indian participation in Arctic projects to develop competence in the Arctic sea container line and maritime services.
• India's knowledge about the Arctic could lead to innovative ideas for national maritime sector development 

About Murmansk Port

• Murmansk Port serves as a crucial gateway for trade and transportation in Russia's Arctic region.

Location and Importance

• Murmansk is situated about 2,000 km northwest of Moscow, making it a vital maritime link between Europe and the Arctic region.
• The port's proximity to the Arctic Ocean grants it access to the NSR, a shorter shipping route that offers potential advantages over traditional routes like the Suez Canal.

Coal Transportation

• Coal is a primary commodity shipped through Murmansk Port, with a significant portion destined for India's eastern coast.
• The port's role in facilitating coal transportation underscores its importance in supporting energy supply chains and trade between Russia and India.

https://www.thehindu.com/business/india-accounts-for-35-of-cargo-handled-by-murmansk-this-year/article67198820.ece