Russia expects to begin regular year-round eastbound shipping along the Northern Sea Route in early 2027, as additional nuclear icebreaker capacity, newer ice-class LNG carriers and pressure to redirect energy exports toward Asia bring the long-delayed ambition closer to reality.

Russia expects cargo transits along the Northern Sea Route (NSR) to more than double in 2026, marking a substantial increase in Arctic shipping despite Western sanctions, although volumes remain far below Moscow’s original ambitions for the route.

The number of commercial transit voyages through Russia’s Northern Sea Route (NSR) had already surpassed the full-year 2025 total by the end of September, putting Arctic shipping on course for another record season as cargo volumes rise and more vessels test the route between Asia and Europe.

The Royal Navy’s only dedicated ice patrol ship has been towed from Teesside to Devonport following a reported defect, raising questions about Britain’s ability to maintain its maritime presence in the polar regions as the government works toward a replacement.