Russia utilizes high-risk Arctic routes for oil tankers

Russian oil tankers carrying up to one million tons of crude to China have begun utilizing unprecedentedly northern routes through the Arctic. At least 15 vessels have traveled north of the Severnaya Zemlya archipelago, reaching latitudes beyond 81.5°N. This detour adds approximately 1,000 kilometers to the journey compared to the standard route through the Vilkitsky Strait.

Experts suggest these maneuvers are driven by fears of Ukrainian strikes and European sanctions that could lead to vessel seizures. However, maritime experts, including former professor Norvald Kjerstad, describe the route as “extremely risky.” The detour is partly due to thick ice in the Vilkitsky Strait, but concerns remain regarding the lack of ice-class ratings for some tankers and the insufficient search and rescue infrastructure in the high Arctic.

Additionally, four vessels from the Russian Northern Fleet have departed the Kola Bay for a multi-month mission to train in securing maritime transport along the Northern Sea Route.