At the “Arctic – Regions” forum in Arkhangelsk, Artem Kuksa, First Deputy Minister for the Development of the Arctic and Economy of the Murmansk Region, spoke about the region’s participation in the development of a unified comprehensive project for the development of the Russian Arctic and the transport and logistics cluster, and also outlined three key clusters being formed in the Kola Arctic: a transport and logistics cluster, a mining and metallurgical cluster, and a gas chemical cluster.The year‑round ice‑free deep‑water port of Murmansk, with direct access to the World Ocean, remains the leader in the Arctic Basin in terms of cargo turnover — in the first 6 months of 2026, it grew by 13 % (compared to the same period last year), and in August it will receive the first container ship from China.
“The agreement with the Chinese company New New Shipping Line is entering the practical phase — the first voyage with 500 containers is scheduled for the end of August.” Currently, we are carrying out extensive work to organize the reception of a container ship at the Murmansk Commercial Sea Port. Developing transport links via the Northern Sea Route between our countries is important for diversifying the port’s cargo base, loading the Oktyabrskaya Railway, increasing the profitability of transportation, and building long‑term partnerships with international partners,” said Artem Kuksa.
As the first deputy minister for the development of the Arctic and the economy of the Murmansk Region noted, industrial clusters — the mining and metallurgical cluster and the gas chemical cluster — will create a permanent cargo base for the port and add value. At the same time, all projects are implemented in conjunction with the development of social infrastructure — housing, educational and medical facilities, and leisure facilities.
The comprehensive project “Development of the Arctic Zone of the Russian Federation and the Trans‑Arctic Transport Corridor” is being developed on the instructions of President Vladimir Putin, which were issued following the holding of the International Arctic Forum “The Arctic — a Territory of Dialogue” in Murmansk. It is planned to invest 2.9 trillion rubles in the master plans of the key settlements, 60 % of which will come from non‑budgetary sources.
/ Ministry of Arctic Development and Economy of the Murmansk Region /
Photo: press service of the IV Forum “Arctic — Regions”.