Approximately 40 cargo ship voyages between Arkhangelsk and Shanghai via the Northern Sea Route (NSR) are planned for 2024. This was announced by Dmitry Yurkov, representative of the governor of the Arkhangelsk Region for Arctic development, at the plenary session of the 13th International Forum "Arctic: Present and Future," as reported by TASS.

"We made one scheduled voyage this year, we plan to make up to 40 with the Chinese side next year. The goods to be shipped from China include passenger cars, auto parts, and consumer goods. So, a breakthrough has taken place in the development of the Northern Sea Route in Arkhangelsk," he stated.

He recalled that early October 2023 saw the first vessel (carrying lumber) depart from Arkhangelsk to China via the Northern Sea Route. "It took 22 days to get one way <…> without icebreaker escort. And thus, we are starting to work on regularity of voyages. And that means [that there will be an increase in] cargo turnover and jobs. These transit voyages will only contribute to the development of both the Northern Sea Route and Arkhangelsk," added Yurkov.