Putin calls for launch of regular cargo shipments via northern sea route next year

Russia's President Vladimir Putin attends a meeting on child protection in the digital environment via a video link in Vladivostok, Russia September 1, 2021. Sputnik/Evgeny Paulin/Kremlin via REUTERS

VLADIVOSTOK, Russia (Reuters) - President Vladimir Putin said on Friday that Russia should start regular container shipments via the Northern Sea Route across its northern flank from Vladivostok to St Petersburg next year.

Russia is investing in infrastructure to develop the Northern Sea Route and wants it to become a major shipping lane as the Arctic warms at a faster rate that the rest of the world.