Assessing the Scope of Activities of the Russian Icebreaker Fleet on Transport Vessel Escort Along the Northern Sea Route

Abstract

We examine the basic principles of icebreaker distribution along the Northern Sea Route according to their functional characteristics and environmental conditions. We propose a graphic model for the differentiated assessment of the scope of transportation activities with icebreaker escort in the Western and Eastern regions of the Russian Arctic zone. Aim. We assess the scope of activities of the Russian icebreaker fleet on transport vessel escort along the Northern Sea Route. Tasks. Our main objective is to determine the potential of the Russian icebreaker fleet and its functional capabilities; identify the typical routes of transport vessels, volume of transported cargo, ice situation on the route (i. e., the speed of an icebreaker that escorts a transport vessel); and the planned number of icebreaker escorts for various types of icebreakers. Methods. The study uses general epistemologies to assess the scope of activities of the Russian icebreaker fleet on transport vessel escort along the Northern Sea Route. Results. The possibility of navigation along the Northern Sea Route under various environmental conditions makes it possible to build a graphic model for satisfying the needs of cargo shippers in terms of icebreaker escort of transport vessels. Conclusion. We proposed basic principles of icebreaker distribution along the Northern Sea Route per their functional characteristics, and build a graphic model for the assessment of the scope of transportation activities with icebreaker escort.