Russia's arkhangelsk Port is set for major expansion, with plans to develop a deep-water hub modelled on China's Tianjin and Ningbo-Zhoushan ports, aiming to become the main gateway to the Northern Sea Route, reports the Moscow-based 'Russia's Pivot to Asia'.
Alexander Tsybulsky, 6th Governor of Arkhangelsk Oblast, said the new 'smart' port will open by the early 2030s, increasing cargo turnover to 25 million tonnes per year, equivalent to one million TEU. It will accommodate vessels up to 75,000 tonnes and provide year-round ocean access.
Existing infrastructure will be upgraded, including a new fishing terminal in Maimaksa, reconstruction of the Ekonomiya terminal, canal deepening, and restoration of river logistics.
Mr Tsybulsky said the port's development will stimulate regional industry, requiring 65 new vessels and creating jobs. He linked the project to broader investments in education, healthcare, and urban improvement.
The port will feature full digitisation, 24-hour online cargo clearance, and unified data access. Its location on the White Sea offers milder navigation conditions than Arctic ports, with seasonal temperatures and reduced salinity.
Arkhangelsk's cargo volumes have grown steadily, with container transshipment reaching 230,000 tonnes in 2023, 30 times more than in 2017. The Arctic Express project shipped 13,500 containers to China in 2024.
Industrial policy expert Moisei Furshchik said the port's proximity to European Russia and balanced cargo flows make it ideal for container transport. Integration with Russian Railways is key to attracting demand.
In September, the Chinese vessel Istanbul Bridge began a direct route from Ningbo to Felixstowe via the Northern Sea Route, marking the first trans-Arctic commercial service between China and Europe.
SeaNews Turkey
Alexander Tsybulsky, 6th Governor of Arkhangelsk Oblast, said the new 'smart' port will open by the early 2030s, increasing cargo turnover to 25 million tonnes per year, equivalent to one million TEU. It will accommodate vessels up to 75,000 tonnes and provide year-round ocean access.
Existing infrastructure will be upgraded, including a new fishing terminal in Maimaksa, reconstruction of the Ekonomiya terminal, canal deepening, and restoration of river logistics.
Mr Tsybulsky said the port's development will stimulate regional industry, requiring 65 new vessels and creating jobs. He linked the project to broader investments in education, healthcare, and urban improvement.
The port will feature full digitisation, 24-hour online cargo clearance, and unified data access. Its location on the White Sea offers milder navigation conditions than Arctic ports, with seasonal temperatures and reduced salinity.
Arkhangelsk's cargo volumes have grown steadily, with container transshipment reaching 230,000 tonnes in 2023, 30 times more than in 2017. The Arctic Express project shipped 13,500 containers to China in 2024.
Industrial policy expert Moisei Furshchik said the port's proximity to European Russia and balanced cargo flows make it ideal for container transport. Integration with Russian Railways is key to attracting demand.
In September, the Chinese vessel Istanbul Bridge began a direct route from Ningbo to Felixstowe via the Northern Sea Route, marking the first trans-Arctic commercial service between China and Europe.
SeaNews Turkey
