Arkhangelsk to host II International Arctic Forum

The first forum “Arctic – Territory of Dialogue” was held in Moscow in September 2010. It included a number of prominent guests and was opened by Prime Minister Vladimir Putin. During his recent visit to Denmark, Putin invited the Scandinavian countries to come to Arkhangelsk for the forum, which coincides with the celebrations of the 300 anniversary for the birth of the Russian scientist Mikhail Lomonosov, the regional government of Arkhangelsk Oblast writes on its website.

Governor of Arkhangelsk Oblast Ilya Mikhalchuk has been included in the organization committee for the forum, which main organizer is the Russian Geographical Society.

Among the key questions up for discussion at the II International Arctic Forum is navigation in the Arctic, international scientific cooperation in the High North and development of the Northern Sea route as a new transport route between Europe and Asia.

The several successful shipping operations in 2010 are now making shipping companies look at the Northern Sea Route with increasing interest. As BarentsObserver reported, at least 150,000 tons of oil are planned shipped from Murmansk to China. In addition, there are plans for about 400,000 tons of gas condensate and 600,000 tons of iron ore to be sent along the same route. At least 150,000 tons of oil, 400,000 tons of gas condensate and 600,000 tons of iron ore are planned shipped along the Northern Sea Route in 2011.

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United Russia has prepared a party project called ”The Northern Sea Route – a national transport artery”, that might be used as base for a federal program, Dvinaland.ru writes.

The forum takes place on September 21-23, just after the traditional Margaritinskaya Fair.