Vyacheslav Ruksha, head of nuclear icebreaker fleet operator Rosatomflot, stressed that the expected increase for cargo transport on the Northern Sea Route in 2012 will exceed one million tons, Barents Observer reports.

Ruksha explained that NOVATEK, a private oil company, has a potential for sending 700-800 000 tons of gas condensate, while the potential amount of iron ore concentrate from Murmansk and Kirkenes is almost one ton.

However, only one shipment of iron ore concentrate, from Kirkenes to China via NSR, has been reported. The shipment delivery took place in August 2010 when “MV Nordic Barents” became the first non-Russian flag vessel to use the NSR as a transit trade lane.

According to Ruksha, Roasatomflot needs more 50-70 000 dwt bulkers with ice capacity and ship owners should consider advancement of current vessels to ice category.

Roasatomflot is now negotiating with the Russian Fisheries Agency on more transport of frozen fish products along the NSR. The plan is to reach the amount of 80-100 000 tons in 2012.