On September 1 (local time), according to TASS news agency, Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Alexander Grushko said that container transport activities on the Northern Maritime Route (NSR) are expanding rapidly, in the context that this maritime route is increasingly attracting the attention of international partners.
According to Mr. Grushko, 2026 marks the start of large-scale international container transport trips on the Asia-Europe route. Russian officials believe this activity will continue to increase sharply in the coming time. The statement was made by him on the sidelines of the Eastern Economic Forum (EEF) in Vladivostok.
According to Russian Minister of Far East and Arctic Development Alexey Chekunkov, more than 35 international container trips are expected to be carried out on NSR in 2026, an increase compared to 24 trips in 2025.
The contribution of international shipping lines to the total volume of goods is also gradually increasing. This is an important sign that the Northern Sea Route is increasingly attractive, not only to Russia's transport activities but also to international sea transport," said Chekunkov.
The Russian Minister forecasts that cargo volume on the NSR will reach about 40 million tons in 2026. He believes that as infrastructure continues to develop and international transport activities expand, the proportion of international transport companies in the total volume of goods through this route will continue to increase.
The Northern Maritime Route runs along Russia's northern coast, connecting Asian and European regions through the Arctic Ocean. Moscow is promoting the development of this route as a strategic transport corridor, including expanding infrastructure and attracting international shipping lines.
The Eastern Economic Forum takes place from September 1-4 at the Federal University of the Far East in Vladivostok, with the theme "Developing the Far East for the benefit of the people". Delegates focused on discussing international cooperation, technology development, investment, infrastructure, logistics, energy and improving the quality of life in the region.
