Iceline. Lifeline: Russia Opens New Trade Routes Through the Arctic | RT Documentary

While the West blocks seaports for Russian ships, a unique alternative has risen. The Northern sea route runs 8,700 miles from Northern Europe to the Asian Pacific coast. It’s covered with thick ice, dangerous and frigid. For decades, only half of the route was possible, but now the whole way is finally passable. It’s thanks to the new Russian nuclear-powered icebreakers part of Project 2220.

The Project 2220 icebreakers began work in the Arctic in 2020. They can escort ships all year round without refuelling for decades. These ice breakers can go through ice 118 inches thick and sail at sea and in estuaries. Previous models were limited by a maximum ice thickness of 89 inches and only river or sea routes. From now, Project 2220 icebreakers will open new trade routes for Russian metals, coal, natural gas and oil to the East.

In 2022, the ‘Arctica’ and ‘Siberia’ icebreakers will operate on the Northern sea route. Three more sister ships will be launched in the coming years. Seamen are lining up to be assigned to the new icebreakers. It is not only about higher salaries and good working conditions but exploring the Arctic, where blank spots still exist. So join us on the board of ‘Arctica’ to break through Arctic ice!