Russia Receives Record Applications for Use of NSR in 2014

by Ship & Bunker News Team
Monday November 3, 2014

Weathernews Inc.'s Global Ice Center (GIC) Tuesday said in a report on ice conditions along the Northern Sea Route (NSR) that Russia's Northern Sea Route Administration (NSRA) had received a record number of over 600 applications to sail its Northeast Passage in 2014.

The Northeast Passage remained fully open for six weeks during 2014 from late August, making this the fifth consecutive year the route has been fully open.

Canada's Northwest Passage did not fully open at all for the first time in five years, meaning it stayed impassable for commercial voyages.

"The number of days the NSR stays open can vary greatly from year to year, so the GIC has been keeping a close watch on Arctic ice trends," said Dr. Genki Sagawa of GIC.

Sagawa added that, even after the NSR opening begins to close, routes sometimes remain passable until November with icebreaker escorts.

Commercial shippers have been taking a keen interest in NSR developments in recent years since they offer the possibility of reduced voyage distances, and thus lower bunker consumption and expense.

Nordic Bulk Carriers said it saved $80,000 in bunker costs when it made a successful voyage through the Northwest Passage last year.

Ship & Bunker News Team
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