Analysis of the Russian Arctic port system using AIS data

Abstract

Ports are essential to the development of Arctic shipping. Their numbers and density are strategic factors for the development of the Northern Sea Route (NSR). From the underwriters’ point of view, they render navigation along the Russian shore safer. They are, also, part of the geopolitical strategy of Russia aimed at reinforcing its sovereignty on this area. Finally, and it is the point we will focus on during this chapter, the Russian Arctic ports are the gateways for the production of the mines and oil and gas fields.